This study, based on the GLOBOCAN 2022 data, examines the socioeconomic inequalities in cancer incidence and mortality, focusing on China and regions classified by their Human Development Index (HDI). The analysis reveals that cancer incidence and mortality patterns vary significantly across different HDI levels and regions. In countries with low HDI, prostate and liver cancers are prominent, while in those with high HDI, lung and colorectal cancers are more common. In China, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and hematologic malignancies are prevalent among children aged 0–14 years. The study also projects substantial increases in new cancer cases and deaths over the next three decades, particularly in countries with low-to-medium HDI. The findings highlight the need for tailored, evidence-based strategies to address cancer prevention and control, especially in regions with varying developmental levels. The study underscores the importance of early detection, lifestyle interventions, and improved healthcare accessibility to mitigate the growing cancer burden.This study, based on the GLOBOCAN 2022 data, examines the socioeconomic inequalities in cancer incidence and mortality, focusing on China and regions classified by their Human Development Index (HDI). The analysis reveals that cancer incidence and mortality patterns vary significantly across different HDI levels and regions. In countries with low HDI, prostate and liver cancers are prominent, while in those with high HDI, lung and colorectal cancers are more common. In China, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and hematologic malignancies are prevalent among children aged 0–14 years. The study also projects substantial increases in new cancer cases and deaths over the next three decades, particularly in countries with low-to-medium HDI. The findings highlight the need for tailored, evidence-based strategies to address cancer prevention and control, especially in regions with varying developmental levels. The study underscores the importance of early detection, lifestyle interventions, and improved healthcare accessibility to mitigate the growing cancer burden.