A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has warned that one in every five people worldwide is expected to develop cancer during their lifetime, highlighting the growing global burden of the disease.
According to the Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, nearly 20.6 million new cancer cases are diagnosed each year, while the disease claims around 10 million lives annually—more than 26,000 deaths every day. Cancer is now the second leading cause of death globally, behind heart disease.
The report estimates that annual cancer cases could reach 35 million by 2050, an increase of more than 40% from current levels. Experts attribute the rise to population growth, aging, environmental pollution, unhealthy lifestyles, and infections.
The report also highlights significant disparities in cancer care between high- and low-income countries. Patients in poorer nations often face delayed diagnoses, limited treatment facilities, shortages of essential medicines, and restricted access to specialist care. For example, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 87% in high-income countries, compared to just 42% in low-income nations. Childhood cancer survival rates also remain below 30% in poorer countries.
Pakistan is among the countries facing a growing cancer burden. Every year, 8,000 to 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer, while over 30,000 women develop breast cancer and more than 15,000 die from the disease. Cervical cancer also remains one of the country’s most common cancers among women.
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