WHO: 1 in 5 people will develop cancer, 92 percent will feel its impact globally

New Delhi: Nearly everyone around the world will be affected by cancer at some point in their lifetime, either through a personal diagnosis or its impact on close family members, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The report stated that while one in five people globally will develop cancer themselves, around 92 per cent of the world’s population will experience the impact of the disease at least once in their lifetime.

Cancer claims over 26,000 lives every day

According to the report, cancer remains the second leading cause of death globally after cardiovascular diseases. Every year, an estimated 20.6 million people are diagnosed with the disease, and nearly 10 million people die from it. The WHO said the disease claims more than 26,000 lives every day worldwide.

Progress made, but gaps remain

The report highlighted improvements in areas such as tobacco control, vaccination programmes and national cancer control policies.

According to WHO, global tobacco use has fallen by 27%, and 82% of countries now have national cancer control plans. However, these efforts have not yet translated into enough life-saving action to significantly reduce cancer deaths.

Access to essential cancer medicines remains a major challenge, especially in poorer countries. Only 9% to 54% of the top 20 priority cancer medicines are available in low- and lower-middle-income countries, compared with 68% to 94% in high-income countries.

WHO calls for more equitable cancer care

The WHO urged governments, international organisations, researchers, civil society groups and the private sector to work together to create a more people-centred approach to cancer care.

The report called for cancer control to be integrated into universal health coverage, greater social protection for patients and families, and increased investment in research and innovation.

It also stressed the need to ensure that advances in cancer treatment are accessible to people in all parts of the world, regardless of income or location.

PTI