Researchers are projecting more cancer cases. Is Canada ready? – CBC

Doctors are calling for more investment in cancer care to prevent deaths

Sep 24, 2025

By 2050, the number of cancer cases and deaths are expected to balloon, according to a new report from The Lancet medical journal published on Wednesday. Researchers say the trend is expected to play out in Canada, too — and health-care systems need to start preparing now to avoid preventable cancer deaths and avoidable health-care expenses.

In 2023, there were 18.5 million new cancer cases globally, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. By 2050, that number is expected to grow to 30.5 million.

The number of cancer deaths are expected to increase even more dramatically by 2050. In 2023 there were 10.4 million cancer deaths. In 2050, researchers project 18.6 million people will die of cancer.

That reflects a 75 per cent increase in cancer deaths since 2024, say the researchers.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/canada-cancer-cases-health-care-deaths-1.7642683