Global Cancer Statistics 2026 (Health, Diseases and Biotechnology)
Global Cancer Statistics 2026 (Health, Diseases and Biotechnology)
Why In News:
The Global Cancer Statistics 2026 report was released jointly by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), and the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Source: The Indian Express, Page 8, 10 July 2026 - 'One in ten Indians face risk of cancer before 75: Here is what WHO data reveals'
Key Global Findings (GLOBOCAN 2024 Estimates)
Nearly 21 million new cancer cases and 9.8 million cancer deaths were recorded worldwide in 2024.
Globally, about 1 in 5 people (21.4% of men and 18.5% of women) will develop cancer before age 75, while roughly 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women will die of the disease.
Cases are projected to rise to 34 million by 2050, a rise of about 67%, driven mainly by population ageing and growth.
The cumulative risk of developing cancer before 75 varies sharply with a country's Human Development Index (HDI), ranging from about 10% in low-HDI settings to over 30% India's Position
India's cumulative cancer risk before age 75 is around one in ten, reflecting its place among lower and medium-HDI countries, though the risk is rising due to lifestyle changes, an ageing population, tobacco use and rising obesity.
As per GLOBOCAN data, India ranks third globally in new cancer cases (after China and the United States).
ICMR's National Cancer Registry Programme separately estimates India's lifetime cancer risk at around 11%, or roughly one in nine.
Common cancers among men include lung, oral and prostate; among women, breast, cervical and ovarian cancers predominate.
India recorded about 14.6 lakh new cancer cases in 2022, projected to rise to over 22 lakh by 2040.
Key Facts for Prelims
GLOBOCAN is the WHO/IARC database providing global cancer incidence and mortality estimates for over 30 cancer types across roughly 185 countries.
Cumulative risk before age 75 is a standard epidemiological measure estimating the probability of developing or dying from cancer by that age, assuming no other cause of death intervenes.
India's cancer control efforts include:
National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer Diabetes Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS): Focuses on early diagnosis, treatment, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure for cancer and other NCDs at district and primary levels.
Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres: Provide population-based screening for oral, breast, and cervical cancers, enabling early detection and timely referral.