This study analyzes cancer incidence and mortality patterns globally, with a focus on China, using data from GLOBOCAN 2022. It examines how socioeconomic development, as measured by the Human Development Index (HDI), influences cancer burden. The study compares cancer cases and deaths across the top 10 cancer types in China and four HDI-classified regions. It also compares age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) and mortality rates (ASMRs) for the most prevalent cancers in ten largest economies and four HDI categories. The top five cancer types in China by incidence and mortality are analyzed by sex and age group. Results show that prostate cancer is the most common in countries with low, high (excluding China), and very high HDI for males. In low HDI countries, prostate and liver cancers are leading causes of male death. In females, breast and cervical cancers are most common in low-to-medium HDI countries. Lung and colorectal cancer incidence and mortality increase with higher HDI for both sexes. ASIRs and ASMRs for breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers in the top 10 economies are higher than the global average. However, liver, stomach, and cervical cancers in most Western countries have lower rates. In China, hematologic malignancies are prevalent among children, while thyroid cancer is most common among adolescents and young adults. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer in individuals over 40, except for females aged 40–59, where breast cancer is more prevalent. Projected trends indicate a significant increase in new cancer cases and deaths over the next three decades. The study concludes that infection- and poverty-related cancer burdens are offset by increased incidence of prostate, breast, colorectal, and lung cancers due to rapid societal and economic transitions. Cancer patterns in China reflect characteristics of both developed and developing countries, necessitating tailored, evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention and control. The study highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to address cancer burden, including early detection, improved healthcare access, and lifestyle changes. It also emphasizes the importance of strengthening cancer registries and implementing effective prevention and control measures to reduce the global cancer burden.This study analyzes cancer incidence and mortality patterns globally, with a focus on China, using data from GLOBOCAN 2022. It examines how socioeconomic development, as measured by the Human Development Index (HDI), influences cancer burden. The study compares cancer cases and deaths across the top 10 cancer types in China and four HDI-classified regions. It also compares age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) and mortality rates (ASMRs) for the most prevalent cancers in ten largest economies and four HDI categories. The top five cancer types in China by incidence and mortality are analyzed by sex and age group. Results show that prostate cancer is the most common in countries with low, high (excluding China), and very high HDI for males. In low HDI countries, prostate and liver cancers are leading causes of male death. In females, breast and cervical cancers are most common in low-to-medium HDI countries. Lung and colorectal cancer incidence and mortality increase with higher HDI for both sexes. ASIRs and ASMRs for breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers in the top 10 economies are higher than the global average. However, liver, stomach, and cervical cancers in most Western countries have lower rates. In China, hematologic malignancies are prevalent among children, while thyroid cancer is most common among adolescents and young adults. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer in individuals over 40, except for females aged 40–59, where breast cancer is more prevalent. Projected trends indicate a significant increase in new cancer cases and deaths over the next three decades. The study concludes that infection- and poverty-related cancer burdens are offset by increased incidence of prostate, breast, colorectal, and lung cancers due to rapid societal and economic transitions. Cancer patterns in China reflect characteristics of both developed and developing countries, necessitating tailored, evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention and control. The study highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to address cancer burden, including early detection, improved healthcare access, and lifestyle changes. It also emphasizes the importance of strengthening cancer registries and implementing effective prevention and control measures to reduce the global cancer burden.