WHO report highlights cancer inequalities and survival gaps in Namibia and Southern Africa

Staff Reporter

A NEW World Health Organization (WHO) report has highlighted growing cancer inequalities worldwide, revealing major disparities in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survival outcomes, including significant differences in breast cancer survival rates among women in Namibia.

The Global Status Report on Cancer 2026: The Future We Choose Together provides a comprehensive assessment of the global cancer burden, examining trends in cancer incidence, mortality, survival, risk factors and health system responses.

The report warns that cancer is becoming an increasing global crisis, with the greatest growth in cases expected in low- and middle-income countries, where health systems continue to face challenges in providing equitable access to prevention, early detection, treatment, palliative care and survivorship services.