WHO Warns Global Cancer Cases Could Nearly Double to 35 Million Annually by 2050

Jul 8, 2026

The World Health Organization warns that global annual cancer cases are projected to rise from 20.6 million to nearly 35 million by 2050. This escalating health crisis is increasingly becoming a workplace issue. A WHO survey reveals that 45% of patients face financial hardship and over half experience mental health challenges, while caregivers report severe strain. Experts urge employers to implement flexible return-to-work plans, train managers, and foster psychological safety to support affected staff.

WHO global cancer projections

▪Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, behind cardiovascular disease, claiming approximately 10 million lives annually.
▪The World Health Organization projects global annual cancer cases will rise from an estimated 20.6 million to nearly 35 million by 2050.

Cancer as workplace issue

▪The World Health Organization's first global survey of people affected by cancer found that at least 45% of respondents experience financial hardship.
▪More than half of the respondents in the World Health Organization's global cancer survey reported experiencing mental health challenges.

Employer support recommendations

▪The World Health Organization recommends that cancer care extend beyond medical treatment to include rehabilitation, survivorship, employment, and social protection.
▪Employers can support employees recovering from cancer by offering personalized, flexible return-to-work plans and addressing long-term cognitive and physical limitations.

Working caregivers strain

▪Employers can support working caregivers by implementing flexible working arrangements, carers' leave policies, and access to employee assistance programs.
▪Nearly all caregivers surveyed by the World Health Organization reported significant strain, including unpaid caring responsibilities and social isolation.

Manager training needs

▪Equipping managers with skills to discuss reasonable workplace adjustments and phased return-to-work plans helps balance business needs with individual employee wellbeing.
▪Managers are often the first point of contact after an employee's cancer diagnosis but frequently lack training to support colleagues through serious illness.

Psychological safety at work

▪A previous study revealed that over a third of employees fear disclosing invisible disabilities at work due to concerns about bias and career progression.
▪Fostering psychologically safe workplaces allows employees to discuss cancer diagnoses without fear of stigma, discrimination, or negative career impacts.