Cancer continues to claim millions of lives worldwide, making it one of the leading causes of death. While improvements in medical research, screening and treatment have helped many patients, several forms of the disease remain responsible for a significant proportion of cancer related deaths.
According to global estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 10 million people died from cancer in 2024. Lung cancer recorded the highest death toll, followed by colorectal, liver, breast and stomach cancers.
The figures highlight the importance of cancer prevention, early detection and access to effective medical care.
Below are the five deadliest cancers worldwide based on their estimated death tolls in 2024.
- Lung cancer — 1.86 million deaths
Lung cancer ranked first among the leading causes of cancer related deaths worldwide, claiming an estimated 1.86 million lives in 2024.
The disease occurs when abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably in the lungs. Smoking remains its most significant risk factor, but non smokers can also develop the condition.
Other factors that may increase the risk include exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution and harmful substances encountered in certain workplaces.
One of the major challenges in treating lung cancer is that it is often discovered at an advanced stage, when treatment becomes more difficult. Recognising warning signs and identifying individuals at increased risk can help improve the chances of early diagnosis and timely treatment.
- Colorectal cancer — 918,000 deaths
Colorectal cancer, which affects the colon or rectum, was responsible for approximately 918,000 deaths globally in 2024.
The disease can develop from abnormal growths known as polyps that form along the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Although not every polyp becomes cancerous, some can develop into cancer over time.
Risk factors include older age, a family history of the disease, inherited genetic conditions, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and diets rich in processed meat.
Screening is an important tool in reducing the impact of colorectal cancer because it can identify suspicious growths before they become cancerous or detect the disease at an earlier stage, when treatment may be more effective.
- Liver cancer — 732,000 deaths
Liver cancer accounted for an estimated 732,000 deaths worldwide in 2024, placing it among the leading causes of cancer mortality.
The likelihood of developing the disease can increase because of several underlying health conditions, including long-term hepatitis B or hepatitis C infections, cirrhosis and certain chronic liver disorders.
Excessive alcohol consumption over an extended period can also damage the liver and contribute to an increased risk of cancer.
In its early stages, liver cancer may not produce obvious symptoms, making timely diagnosis difficult in some cases.
Measures that can help reduce the risk include hepatitis B vaccination, testing and appropriate treatment for viral hepatitis, limiting alcohol consumption and obtaining medical care for existing liver conditions.
- Breast cancer — 694,000 deaths
Breast cancer caused approximately 694,000 deaths worldwide in 2024, according to the estimates.
Although the disease predominantly affects women, men can also develop breast cancer.
It occurs when cells within breast tissue begin to grow abnormally. Increasing age is an important risk factor, while family history, certain inherited genetic changes and hormonal and reproductive factors can also influence a person’s likelihood of developing the disease.
Warning signs may include a new lump in the breast, changes in its size or shape, alterations in the skin and unusual nipple discharge.
However, not every breast change indicates cancer. Anyone who notices a persistent or unusual change should seek medical assessment rather than assume it is harmless.
Early detection, accurate diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment can improve the chances of survival and help reduce deaths from the disease.
- Stomach cancer — 642,000 deaths
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, caused an estimated 642,000 deaths globally in 2024.
The disease develops when cancerous cells form in the stomach lining. One of its major risk factors is infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium associated with chronic inflammation of the stomach and the development of stomach ulcers.
Other factors that may contribute to the risk include smoking, certain dietary habits and a family history of stomach cancer.
Early-stage stomach cancer can be difficult to identify because its symptoms may be mild or resemble those of less serious digestive problems.
Possible symptoms include persistent indigestion, abdominal discomfort, feeling full after eating small amounts of food, unexplained weight loss and difficulty eating.
Although these symptoms can occur for several reasons, persistent or worsening problems should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause.
How can cancer deaths be reduced?
The high death toll associated with these five cancers underscores the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and access to quality healthcare.
The WHO identifies several factors associated with an increased risk of cancer, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, excess body weight, physical inactivity, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake and exposure to air pollution.
Certain infections, including hepatitis viruses and human papillomavirus (HPV), also contribute to the global cancer burden.
Adopting healthier habits, avoiding tobacco, receiving recommended vaccinations, addressing relevant infections and participating in appropriate cancer screening programmes can help reduce the risk of some cancers or improve the chances of detecting them early.
People should also seek medical advice when they notice unusual or persistent symptoms, particularly when these involve unexplained weight loss, abnormal lumps or ongoing digestive problems.
Although some cancers can be prevented and many become more treatable when detected early, not every case can be avoided. Having a risk factor also does not necessarily mean that someone will develop the disease.
Ultimately, improving public awareness, strengthening screening services and ensuring that patients can access timely diagnosis and effective treatment remain essential to reducing cancer-related deaths worldwide.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar.