Global Cancer Burden Growing

The World Health Organization (WHO) marked World Cancer Day with the release of the latest estimates on the global cancer burden from its cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The data, based on 2022 sources, revealed a growing worldwide burden of cancer, particularly affecting underserved populations, emphasizing the critical need to address global cancer inequities.

Shockingly, 1 in 5 individuals will develop cancer in their lifetime, and 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women succumb to the disease. WHO's survey of 115 countries exposed a concerning lack of adequate financing for essential cancer and palliative care services, indicating that only 39% of nations covered fundamental cancer management within their core health services, and just 28% included palliative care, reflecting the urgency to address these gaps in universal health coverage. Read more from WHO here.