Cancer is a reality that will touch the lives of over 90% of people worldwide at least once, either directly or through a family member, according to a comprehensive report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The study reveals that one in five individuals will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime, underscoring the global scale of this health challenge.

Despite advances in treatment and prevention, the burden of cancer is expected to grow. Currently, cancer claims 26,000 lives daily, with 20.6 million new cases diagnosed each year and 10 million deaths, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular diseases. By 2050, annual cancer deaths could rise to 35 million, with disparities in access to care deepening between high- and low-income countries.

Isabelle Soerjomataram, deputy director of the Cancer Surveillance Unit at IARC, highlighted a stark reality: survival rates depend less on the type or stage of cancer and more on where a person lives and their economic situation. For example, over 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in high-income countries survive at least five years, while in many low-income countries, that figure drops below 30%.

The report also sheds light on the human toll beyond mortality. The first-ever WHO survey of cancer patients found that nearly half face financial hardship, more than half struggle with mental health issues, and almost all caregivers experience significant burdens, including unpaid care work and social isolation.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths globally. Among men, lung, prostate, and colon cancers are the most common, while breast, lung, and colon cancers top the list for women. Encouragingly, public health policies have made progress: tobacco consumption has dropped by 27% since 2010, contributing to declines in lung cancer cases and deaths in some regions. Vaccination programs and improved sanitation have also helped reduce cancers linked to infections, such as those caused by HPV, hepatitis B and C, and Helicobacter pylori.

However, the WHO warns that progress is not fast enough. Nearly 40% of cancer cases are linked to preventable risk factors like tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and physical inactivity. Access to essential cancer medicines remains uneven, with availability ranging from 9% to 54% in low- and middle-income countries, compared to 68% to 94% in wealthier nations.

The WHO calls for cancer prevention to become a political priority, urging increased investment in treatment and sustained commitment to tobacco control and vaccination programs. This global health challenge demands coordinated action to ensure equitable access to care and improve survival for all.

For communities in Mexico and beyond, these findings highlight the importance of accessible, inclusive healthcare systems and the potential of innovative solutions—like Puebla’s upcoming cable car system—to improve access to medical services, especially in underserved areas. As cancer continues to affect millions, integrating social and infrastructural policies will be key to reducing disparities and saving lives.