Amman, July 9 (Petra) - Global cancer cases could surge to nearly 35 million annually by 2050 without urgent intervention, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Thursday in its 2026 Global Cancer Report.

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular disease, killing over 26,000 people daily. The disease accounts for roughly 20.6 million new cases and nearly 10 million deaths each year.

The report showcases a stark global survival gap. In high-income countries, 87% of breast cancer patients survive five years past diagnosis, compared to just 42% in low-income nations. Less than a third of countries globally include cancer care in their universal health coverage.

"Cancer is a deeply personal disease that touches nearly all of us. But whether a person survives cancer should never depend on where they were born or what they earn," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, adding that these disparities can be bridged through coordinated global action.

The WHO noted that about 40% of cancer cases stem from preventable risk factors, including tobacco, alcohol, obesity, physical inactivity, and certain infections. While progress has been made in tobacco control and vaccination programs, essential cancer medications are out of reach in many lower-income regions.

//Petra// HA