The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a sobering forecast estimating a sharp increase in global cancer cases by 2050. According to the agency’s new report published Wednesday, the annual number of cancer diagnoses could escalate from 20.6 million in 2024 to as many as 35 million by 2050.

The report highlights that this surge will be heavily concentrated in lower-income countries, where limited access to cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment services continues to hinder effective disease management. The WHO cautioned that existing disparities in health care infrastructure and resources are driving this uneven burden, potentially leading to higher mortality rates in these regions.

“Far too many people are still being left behind,” André Ilbawi, WHO team lead for cancer control, said during a press briefing this week, emphasizing that inequities remain a significant challenge to global cancer control efforts.

The forecast comes despite advances in cancer surveillance and medical treatments in many parts of the world, signaling that progress is not uniform and that gaps in prevention and care are widening. The report advises urgent international action to invest more heavily in health systems, particularly in vulnerable countries, to improve early detection and expand access to effective therapies.

As the world’s population continues to grow and age, the projected rise in cancer cases reflects demographic shifts alongside persistent social and economic factors. Public health officials warn that without a coordinated, global response, the increasing incidence of cancer could pose substantial challenges to health care systems, economies, and patients worldwide.