The world’s second-leading cause of death is expected to affect more than 90% of people by 2050, either through their own diagnosis or that of a close relative
Published 9 Jul, 2026 12:31
| Updated 9 Jul, 2026 13:35
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New cancer cases are projected to nearly double worldwide by 2050, with the disease expected to affect more than 90% of the global population in some way, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
In a report released on Wednesday, the agency said cancer remains the world’s second-leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease, claiming more than 26,000 lives daily. It estimates there are currently nearly 10 million deaths and 20.6 million new cases annually, warning that without urgent action the latest figure will rise to 35 million by 2050. One in five people is expected to develop cancer during their lifetime, with lung cancer remaining its deadliest form.
Despite rapid advances in treatment, the WHO says survival increasingly depends on where patients live and their financial circumstances. Five-year survival for breast and childhood cancers exceeds 85% in high-income countries but falls below 45% in low-income nations, it estimates.
Twenty-three countries lack radiotherapy facilities, two-thirds do not include cancer care in universal health coverage, and treatment costs force up to 90% of patients in some regions to abandon care. Overall, at least 45% of patients face financial hardship, making cancer a leading cause of medical bankruptcy worldwide.
The agency estimates that, if current trends continue, cancer will affect 92% of people worldwide at some point in their lives by 2050, either through their own diagnosis or that of a close relative. The WHO urged governments, international organizations, and the private sector to adopt a “people-centered” approach by integrating cancer services from prevention to diagnosis and treatment into universal health coverage, strengthening support for patients and caregivers, and ensuring research and innovation expand access to treatment.
Dozens of countries are currently developing cancer vaccines using different approaches. Russia has been actively working on personalized mRNA cancer vaccines tailored to individual tumors. Two experimental therapies – Neooncovac for melanoma and Oncopept for colorectal cancer – were cleared for clinical use in March. More than 40 patients have since enrolled, with the first recipients already showing a strong immune response. The vaccines are expected to be provided free under Russia’s national health insurance system once their clinical effectiveness is confirmed.
The US, UK, Cuba, and China are also pursuing cancer vaccine development through approved treatments, clinical trials or personalized mRNA platforms.
