The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) issued the Global Status Report on Cancer 2026 on July 8, 2026. The report estimates there are 20.6 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million cancer deaths annually, with cancer causing more than 26,000 deaths daily. These figures identify cancer as the world's second leading cause of death, after cardiovascular disease. The WHO projects the number of new cases worldwide could rise to almost 35 million annually by 2050.

"Cancer is a deeply personal disease that touches nearly all of us," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "But whether a person survives cancer should never depend on where they were born or what they earn." The report highlights disparities in survival rates. In high-income countries, 87% of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive for at least five years, while in low-income countries, this figure is around 42%. Fewer than one in three countries include comprehensive cancer care within their universal health coverage packages.

The WHO conducted its first global survey of people affected by cancer, finding that at least 45% experience financial hardship and more than half report mental health challenges. Additionally, nearly all caregivers face pressures such as unpaid care responsibilities and social isolation.

In 2024, Asia accounted for over half of all global cancer cases and deaths. Europe recorded 21% of global cancer cases and 20% of global cancer deaths, despite having approximately 9% of the global population. Lung cancer is identified as the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Among men, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers are the most common, while breast, lung, and colorectal cancers account for a large share of cases among women.

The WHO estimates that nearly four in 10 cancer cases are linked to preventable risk factors, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and infections such as human papillomavirus and hepatitis B and C. Elisabete Weiderpass, Director of IARC, stated, "While we are seeing reductions in some cancer rates in countries that have implemented prevention policies, progress has been too slow." She added, "The cancer profile is evolving, increasingly driven by rising rates of obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and air pollution." Weiderpass said, "Cancer prevention must remain a political priority."

The report notes that 82% of countries are now reporting national cancer control plans, an increase from 50% in 2010. The availability of 20 priority cancer medicines ranges from 9% to 54% in low and lower-middle-income countries, compared to 68% to 94% in high-income countries. "Cancer is not just a medical diagnosis – it profoundly, indefinitely affects every aspect of a person's life, and their family's as well," said Clarissa Schilstra, a childhood cancer survivor.