Global Cancer Burden Rises to 23.6 Million New Cases in 2019, Study Finds

The Global Burden of Disease 2019 study estimated 23.6 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer‑related deaths worldwide in 2019, generating roughly 250 million disability‑adjusted life years (DALYs). Compared with 2010, new cases increased by 26.3%, deaths by 20.9% and DALYs by 16.0%, making cancer the second leading cause of death, years of life lost and overall disease burden after cardiovascular disease.

High‑socio‑demographic‑index (SDI) countries recorded the greatest number of new cases, while middle‑SDI nations suffered the highest numbers of deaths and DALYs. The fastest growth in incidence and mortality occurred in low‑ and low‑middle‑SDI regions, highlighting stark global disparities in access to prevention, early detection and treatment. The authors call for stronger, equitable cancer‑control strategies, including expanded screening, improved oncology care and targeted public‑health interventions.