The global cancer burden is escalating rapidly, with 20.6 million new cases and 9.8 million cancer-related deaths recorded worldwide in 2024, according to the latest GLOBOCAN estimates.
The report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the specialised cancer agency of the World Health Organisation (WHO), also warned that the situation could worsen significantly over the coming decades, with major inequalities in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and surveillance continuing to affect millions of people.
According to the GLOBOCAN 2024 report, annual cancer cases worldwide could rise to about 34 million by 2050, representing a 67 per cent increase from the 2024 figure. Cancer deaths are also projected to reach 17.5 million annually, nearly 80 per cent higher than the current level.
The latest estimates, released as IARC commemorates its 60th anniversary, provide a broad assessment of cancer incidence and mortality across countries, regions, age groups and sexes.
Of the 20.6 million new cancer cases recorded in 2024, about 10.6 million occurred among men, while women accounted for 10 million cases. Men also represented 56 per cent of the estimated 9.8 million cancer deaths, compared with 44 per cent among women.
Commenting on the findings, the Head of the Cancer Surveillance Branch at IARC, Freddie Bray, said the figures highlighted the disproportionate impact of cancer on men.
The report further identified significant geographical differences in cancer incidence and mortality. These disparities are linked to factors including population growth, ageing, exposure to cancer risk factors and unequal access to prevention, diagnosis and quality treatment.
Nigeria Moves to Expand Cancer Infrastructure
Meanwhile, Nigeria is taking steps to strengthen its capacity to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer with the approval of N302.3 billion for the design, construction and equipping of a flagship National Cancer Institute.
The Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the project, describing it as a major development in the country’s fight against cancer.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, Aliyu said the institute, which is expected to be completed within 36 months, would strengthen cancer research, treatment, innovation and capacity building while providing world-class cancer services to Nigerians.
He described the approval as a “demonstration of care and concern for the health and general well-being of all Nigerians by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government.”
Aliyu noted that cancer had remained a major health challenge for Nigerians over the years, particularly because of gaps in diagnosis, treatment and research infrastructure.
According to him, successive administrations had struggled to adequately address the shortage of specialised cancer facilities and services, leaving many patients with limited treatment options within the country.
He therefore described the newly approved project as a “game-changer,” saying the benefits would extend beyond cancer treatment to research, training, innovation and the broader development of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“Chief among the benefits is that the project will drastically reduce medical tourism by Nigerians affected by cancer. This is because Nigeria loses millions of dollars annually to other countries as many Nigerians travel to those countries for more sophisticated cancer diagnosis and treatment,” he said.
The planned National Cancer Institute is expected to provide Nigeria with a more coordinated platform for cancer research and specialised care, while helping to improve access to advanced diagnostic and treatment services.
The development comes at a time when the global cancer outlook is becoming increasingly concerning, underscoring the need for countries such as Nigeria to invest not only in treatment facilities but also in prevention, early detection, cancer surveillance and public awareness.