WHO Highlights Growing Global Impact Of Cancer On Lives
WHO highlights cancer’s widespread impact and awareness needs.
Nearly every person in the world will be affected by cancer either directly or through its impact on close family members at some point in life, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO). The report said around 92 per cent of people globally will experience the effects of cancer, while one in five individuals is expected to develop the disease themselves.
The report, jointly developed by WHO and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), highlighted major inequalities in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care. It found that access to life-saving services remains highly uneven across countries, with millions of patients facing physical, emotional and financial challenges due to limited healthcare availability.
Cancer continues to be one of the world’s leading health challenges, with an estimated 20.6 million new cases and nearly 10 million deaths recorded annually. The disease remains the second leading cause of death globally after cardiovascular diseases, claiming more than 26,000 lives every day, according to the report.
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The WHO analysis pointed to significant differences in cancer survival rates between high-income and low-income countries. For example, while about 87 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive for five years in high-income countries, survival falls to around 42 per cent in low-income countries due to differences in early detection, treatment access and healthcare infrastructure.
The report noted progress in some areas, including stronger political commitment and improvements in tobacco control. Around 82 per cent of countries now have national cancer control plans, while global tobacco control efforts have improved. However, WHO warned that these developments have not yet translated into sufficient action to reduce cancer deaths and improve outcomes worldwide.
Access to essential cancer medicines remains a major concern, particularly in lower-income nations. The availability of the top 20 priority cancer medicines ranges from only 9 per cent to 54 per cent in low- and lower-middle-income countries, compared with 68 per cent to 94 per cent in high-income countries.
WHO called for a stronger, people-centred approach to cancer care, urging governments, healthcare organisations, researchers and private institutions to work together to improve prevention, treatment and support systems. The agency recommended integrating cancer care into universal health coverage, involving patients and survivors in healthcare planning, expanding social protection and ensuring fair access to advances in cancer research and treatment.
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