A new global status report from the World Health Organization warns that persistent and widening inequities prevent millions of patients worldwide from accessing critical cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care.
The agency estimates that one in five people will develop the disease, which eventually impacts 92% of individuals either through personal diagnosis or a close family member.
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Every year, an estimated 20.6 million new cases and 10 million deaths occur, with cases projected to reach nearly 35 million by 2050.
Disparities between wealthy and poor nations remain stark, as 85% of individuals diagnosed with breast or childhood cancers in richer nations survive at least five years, while survival rates drop below 30% in poorer countries.
Medical Breakthroughs vs. Reality
Dr Andre Ilbawi, team lead for cancer control at the WHO, highlighted the contrast between medical breakthroughs and reality.
"For years, the story told about cancer has been about scientific progress, new technologies, new treatment, new hope.
That story is true, and it deserves to be told, but it’s not the whole story," said Dr Ilbawi.
High-income countries possess 68% to 94% of the WHO’s top-20 priority cancer drugs, whereas low- and lower-middle income countries only have access to between 9% and 54%.
Furthermore, 23 countries completely lack radiation facilities, and two-thirds of nations exclude cancer from universal health coverage packages.
A global survey of patients and families revealed immense financial hardship, caregiver strain, and mental health challenges.
