Why cancer?

Cancer is a major health concern worldwide, being the second-leading cause of death globally.

Some facts

ANNUAL DEATHS

10 MILLION

people die from cancer every year. That’s more than HIV/Aids, malaria and tuberculosis combined.

PREVENTABLE DEATHS

OVER 40%

of cancer-related deaths are linked to modifiable risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, poor diet, and physical inactivity. 

EARLY DETECTION

ALMOST 1/3

of all cancer deaths could be prevented through routine screening, early detection, and treatment. 

GEOGRAPHICAL IMPACT

70%

of cancer deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries. 

ECONOMIC COST

$1.6 TRILLION

is the estimated total annual economic cost of cancer.

-

Half of the world’s population lacks access to essential health services, including cancer care, despite significant advancements. This disparity, known as the equity gap, costs lives and is influenced by factors such as income, education, geography, and discrimination. These are known as the ‘social determinants of health’.
Many disadvantaged groups face higher cancer risks due to factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy diets. These are known as ‘commercial determinants of health’,

What happens 
when we act?

MILLIONS OF LIVES CAN BE SAVED EVERY YEAR, BY IMPLEMENTING RESOURCE-APPROPRIATE STRATEGIES ON PREVENTION, EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT.

MORE THAN 1/3 OF CANCER CASES CAN BE PREVENTED.

1/3 OF CANCERS CAN BE CURED IF DETECTED EARLY AND TREATED PROPERLY.

Progress

Today, we know more about cancer than ever before.

Through investing in research and innovation, we have witnessed extraordinary breakthroughs in medicine, diagnostics, and scientific knowledge.

The more we know, the more progress we can make in reducing risk factors, increasing prevention and improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care.

Impact

In recent years, the United Nations, the World Health Organization and other UN agencies have recognised the urgent need for a global commitment.

When leaders speak up and take action, we give ourselves a chance to make history and to move towards a world without cancer.

Equity

Today, more than two thirds (70%) of cancer deaths are happening in the least developed parts of the world. Even if you live in a higher income country, inequities still exist among lower-income, indigenous, immigrant, refugee and rural communities. Equitable access to cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care can save lives.

Change

Through raising the public and political literacy and understanding around cancer, we reduce fear, increase understanding, dispel myths and misconceptions, and change behaviours, attitudes and actions. 

Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis—it’s a deeply personal matter. That’s why a people-centred approach to cancer care leads to the best health outcomes and is key for change.

The new World Cancer Day campaign 2025-27 “United by Unique” will explore different dimensions of people-centred cancer care and new ways of making a difference.