The global cancer burden is growing, with a significant increase in new cases and deaths, according to the latest estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths, with about 1 in 5 people developing cancer in their lifetime. The WHO survey highlights that only 39% of countries cover the basics of cancer management as part of their health benefit packages, and only 28% include palliative care. The most common cancers in 2022 were lung, breast, and colorectal cancers. Lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer death, followed by colorectal, liver, breast, and stomach cancers. There are significant disparities in cancer burden based on human development index (HDI), with lower HDI countries experiencing higher mortality rates. The WHO survey also reveals major global inequalities in cancer services, with high-income countries more likely to include cancer-related services in their health benefit packages. The projected cancer burden is expected to increase significantly by 2050, with over 35 million new cases, a 77% increase from 2022. High HDI countries are expected to experience the greatest absolute increase, while low and medium HDI countries will see the most significant proportional increase. The WHO emphasizes the need for urgent investment and political will to address global cancer inequities and ensure access to affordable, quality cancer care for all.The global cancer burden is growing, with a significant increase in new cases and deaths, according to the latest estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths, with about 1 in 5 people developing cancer in their lifetime. The WHO survey highlights that only 39% of countries cover the basics of cancer management as part of their health benefit packages, and only 28% include palliative care. The most common cancers in 2022 were lung, breast, and colorectal cancers. Lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer death, followed by colorectal, liver, breast, and stomach cancers. There are significant disparities in cancer burden based on human development index (HDI), with lower HDI countries experiencing higher mortality rates. The WHO survey also reveals major global inequalities in cancer services, with high-income countries more likely to include cancer-related services in their health benefit packages. The projected cancer burden is expected to increase significantly by 2050, with over 35 million new cases, a 77% increase from 2022. High HDI countries are expected to experience the greatest absolute increase, while low and medium HDI countries will see the most significant proportional increase. The WHO emphasizes the need for urgent investment and political will to address global cancer inequities and ensure access to affordable, quality cancer care for all.