Global Cancer Burden Expected to Rise Sharply by 2050
A new analysis led by the American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 21 million people were diagnosed with cancer worldwide in 2024, while 9.8 million died from the disease. The report, developed with the International Agency for Research on Cancer, projects annual cases will reach 34 million by 2050, a 67% increase attributed to population growth and aging.
The findings indicate that about one in five people will develop cancer during their lifetime. Approximately one in nine men and one in 13 women are expected to die from it. Researchers used 2024 estimates from the GLOBOCAN database, which covers 34 cancer types across 186 countries, to compare incidence and mortality by region and development level.
Cancer rates varied substantially. Australia and New Zealand recorded the highest incidence, while parts of Africa and South-Central Asia had the lowest. Mortality differences were narrower but remained significant, with especially high death rates among men in Eastern Europe and women in Melanesia. The report links some disparities to unequal access to early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Lung cancer remained the leading cancer for both diagnoses and deaths, accounting for nearly 2.6 million cases and 1.9 million deaths. Breast cancer ranked second in diagnoses and was the leading cancer among women. Colorectal, liver, prostate, stomach, cervical, pancreatic, and thyroid cancers also contributed substantially to the global burden.
The authors said prevention and access to care could reduce many deaths. Priorities include reducing tobacco and alcohol use, preventing cancer-linked infections through measures such as HPV vaccination, promoting healthy weight and physical activity, expanding screening, and ensuring timely treatment. They concluded that countries will need strategies tailored to their regional risks and health systems.
The analysis describes cancer as a growing demographic challenge, but one whose impact may be moderated through coordinated, sustained public health investment worldwide.