Archive · 26 Sep 2025
Cancer Deaths Projected to Rise by 75% Globally
Imagine more people getting cancer in the future.
A new study says that the number of cancer deaths could go up by a lot by 2050.
This is happening because the world's population is getting older and some bad habits, like smoking, are also causing the increase.
Sadly, countries with less money might see the biggest jumps.
The good news is that we know that about 40% of cancer deaths are related to things we can change, like unhealthy habits.
Cancer deaths are projected to rise by 75% globally by 2050.
New cancer cases are expected to increase by 61% by 2050.
India's cancer rates have increased by 26.4% since 1990.
Over 40% of cancer deaths are linked to modifiable risk factors.
Low and middle-income countries are expected to experience disproportionately higher cancer burdens.
- Who
- Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the US’ University of Washington
- What
- Cancer deaths are projected to increase significantly globally by 2050.
- When
- Study covers data from 1990-2023 with projections to 2050.
- Where
- Globally, with a focus on disparities between high and low-income countries, and specifically mentioning India and China.
- Why
- Due to an aging population and modifiable risk factors.
Call for Global Action
Challenges and Disparities
Resource Allocation
Call for Global Action
Increased funding and targeted interventions are needed to address the cancer burden.
Challenges and Disparities
Low-income countries face limited healthcare resources, exacerbating the problem.
Preventative Measures
Call for Global Action
Comprehensive cancer control policies, including prevention efforts, should be prioritized.
Challenges and Disparities
Over 40% of cancer deaths are linked to modifiable risk factors like unhealthy diets and tobacco use.
- Projected Cancer Deaths (2050)
- 18.6 million
- Increase in Cancer Deaths (by 2050)
- 75%
- Increase in New Cancer Cases (by 2050)
- 61%
- Global Cancer Death Rate Decline (1990-2023)
- 24%
- India's Cancer Rate Increase (1990-2023)
- 26.4%
Sources
As high as 70% of cancers in India may be attributable to modifiable risk factors: AIIMS oncologist and Lancet study collaborator flags priorities for prevention
Cancer Deaths Will See A 75% Surge By 2050, Finds New Study
