WHO warns global cancer cases could nearly double by 2050

The World Health Organization projects that the number of new cancer cases each year could rise from the current 20.6 million to almost 35 million by 2050, an increase of roughly 70 percent. About four out of ten cancers are linked to preventable risk factors such as tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, obesity, infections (including HPV and hepatitis) and air pollution. WHO urges governments to invest in prevention, early‑detection programmes and universal health‑coverage for cancer care.

In Slovakia, the National Oncology Institute highlighted the need for a coordinated system that combines prevention, research, treatment and patient support, and reminded citizens of existing screening programmes for breast, colorectal and cervical cancer. Ghana’s health officials noted that nearly 28,000 new cases are recorded annually and called for expanded public education, HPV vaccination and broader screening services. Similar warnings were echoed in other regions, emphasizing that without urgent action the growing cancer burden will strain health systems and affect families worldwide.