Cancer remains one of the world's greatest public health challenges, with new figures showing that nearly 21 million people were diagnosed with the disease in 2024 and almost 9.8 million died from it.
According to the report Global Cancer Statistics 2026, published using data from the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), researchers estimate that almost one in five people will develop cancer during their lifetime.
The findings were highlighted by Theodora Psaltopoulou, Professor of Therapeutics, Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, alongside biologist Alexandra Stavropoulou and oncologist and haematologist Thanos Dimopoulos, former rector of the university.
In addition, approximately one in nine men and one in 13 women are expected to die from cancer.
The figures underline not only the scale of the disease but also the need for more effective prevention, earlier diagnosis and equitable access to modern treatments.
Sharp rise forecast by 2050
Researchers project that the number of new cancer cases will reach 34 million annually by 2050, representing a 67% increase compared with 2024.
The forecast is based solely on population growth and ageing.
Experts warn that the actual burden could be even higher if key risk factors are not reduced, including:
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Certain cancer-related infections
The report draws on data from GLOBOCAN, the IARC's global database tracking incidence and mortality across 34 cancer types in 186 countries.
Lung cancer remains deadliest
Lung cancer remains both the most commonly diagnosed and the deadliest form of cancer worldwide.
In 2024, there were approximately:
- 2.6 million new lung cancer cases
- 1.9 million deaths
Lung cancer accounted for around 13% of all new cancer diagnoses and nearly 19% of all cancer deaths.
Smoking remains the principal risk factor, highlighting the importance of smoking cessation programmes and protection from second-hand smoke.
Breast cancer most common among women
Breast cancer ranked as the second most common cancer globally, with roughly:
- 2.4 million new cases
- 694,000 deaths
It remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the female population.
The report notes that survival rates depend not only on the type and stage of cancer but also on where patients live and whether they have access to screening, diagnosis and treatment services.
A striking example involves breast cancer outcomes.
Women in West Africa face approximately twice the risk of dying from breast cancer compared with women in Australia and New Zealand, despite breast cancer incidence in West Africa being roughly half as high.
Researchers attribute the disparity largely to delayed diagnosis and limited access to specialised treatment.
Similar inequalities are observed across many forms of cancer, particularly in countries with lower levels of economic and social development.
Other major cancers
Colorectal cancer was the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer deaths, with:
- More than 2 million new cases
- Approximately 918,000 deaths
Liver cancer caused around 732,000 deaths, while stomach cancer was associated with:
- Nearly 980,000 new diagnoses
- About 642,000 deaths
The highest rates of stomach cancer were recorded in East Asia.
Among men, prostate cancer was the second most common cancer, accounting for:
- Around 1.5 million new cases
- Approximately 420,000 deaths
Mortality rates were disproportionately high in the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers also highlighted concerns about pancreatic cancer.
Although it ranks only 11th in terms of new cases, it is the sixth leading cause of cancer death, responsible for an estimated 491,000 deaths globally.
Prevention remains crucial
The report estimates that nearly half of all cancer deaths may be linked to risk factors that can potentially be modified.
A substantial proportion of deaths could also be prevented through early detection and appropriate treatment.
One of the clearest examples is cervical cancer, which can largely be prevented through human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and regular screening.
Despite this, cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among women in 26 countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South and Central America.
Experts stress that every country faces different challenges and requires policies tailored to its population.
However, prevention should remain at the centre of every national cancer strategy.
Avoiding smoking, limiting or abstaining from alcohol, maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising regularly and protecting against cancer-related infections can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Participation in appropriate cancer screening programmes, based on age, sex, family history and medical advice, is also considered essential.
