Global Cancer Trends: The Rise of a Global Health Crisis and Innovative Pathways to Solutions

Y Bharathi; Deepak Kumar Jha

doi:10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2026.1662520

Global Cancer Trends: The Rise of a Global Health Crisis and Innovative Pathways to Solutions

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a major global health crisis. WHO projections indicate a 60% rise in cancer cases by 2040 due to lifestyle changes and an ageing population, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems, economies, and families, particularly in developing countries with limited access to medical resources.

Objective: This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and potential pathways to reducing cancer mortality and improving patient outcomes worldwide.

Materials and Methods: For this review, we synthesised peer-reviewed literature from indexed journals such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier, and ScienceDirect.

Results: Key risk factors, including smoking, poor diet, environmental pollution, and physical inactivity, further drive the increasing prevalence of cancer. Despite these challenges, advancements in cancer research and global initiatives provide hope. WHO-led programmes, such as the Global Initiative for Cancer Care and the Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy, alongside collaborative efforts like the Cancer Moonshot Initiative and Medicines Patent Pool, are improving cancer prevention, screening, and treatment worldwide. Innovations in precision oncology, including next-generation sequencing, liquid biopsies, nanotechnology-based drug delivery, and gene-editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and CAR-T cell therapy, are transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment. While these advancements enhance patient outcomes, challenges such as off-target effects, ethical concerns, and gene delivery limitations must be addressed for broader clinical implementation.

Conclusion: A comprehensive, multi-pronged approach combining scientific advancements, equitable healthcare access, and preventive strategies is crucial to mitigating the global cancer burden.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

NA

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice

Journal Section

Review

Authors

Y Bharathi
0009-0009-5469-1672
India

Deepak Kumar Jha
0000-0002-1979-7940
India

Publication Date

May 21, 2026

Submission Date

March 21, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 1, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 56 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2026.1662520

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA77TE55AY

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Bharathi, Y., & Jha, D. K. (2026). Global Cancer Trends: The Rise of a Global Health Crisis and Innovative Pathways to Solutions. İstanbul Journal of Pharmacy, 56(1), 105-119. https://doi.org/10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2026.1662520

AMA

1.Bharathi Y, Jha DK. Global Cancer Trends: The Rise of a Global Health Crisis and Innovative Pathways to Solutions. iujp. 2026;56(1):105-119. doi:10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2026.1662520

Chicago

Bharathi, Y, and Deepak Kumar Jha. 2026. “Global Cancer Trends: The Rise of a Global Health Crisis and Innovative Pathways to Solutions”. İstanbul Journal of Pharmacy 56 (1): 105-19. https://doi.org/10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2026.1662520.

EndNote

Bharathi Y, Jha DK (May 1, 2026) Global Cancer Trends: The Rise of a Global Health Crisis and Innovative Pathways to Solutions. İstanbul Journal of Pharmacy 56 1 105–119.

IEEE

[1]Y. Bharathi and D. K. Jha, “Global Cancer Trends: The Rise of a Global Health Crisis and Innovative Pathways to Solutions”, iujp, vol. 56, no. 1, pp. 105–119, May 2026, doi: 10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2026.1662520.

ISNAD

Bharathi, Y - Jha, Deepak Kumar. “Global Cancer Trends: The Rise of a Global Health Crisis and Innovative Pathways to Solutions”. İstanbul Journal of Pharmacy 56/1 (May 1, 2026): 105-119. https://doi.org/10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2026.1662520.

JAMA

1.Bharathi Y, Jha DK. Global Cancer Trends: The Rise of a Global Health Crisis and Innovative Pathways to Solutions. iujp. 2026;56:105–119.

MLA

Bharathi, Y, and Deepak Kumar Jha. “Global Cancer Trends: The Rise of a Global Health Crisis and Innovative Pathways to Solutions”. İstanbul Journal of Pharmacy, vol. 56, no. 1, May 2026, pp. 105-19, doi:10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2026.1662520.

Vancouver

1.Y Bharathi, Deepak Kumar Jha. Global Cancer Trends: The Rise of a Global Health Crisis and Innovative Pathways to Solutions. iujp. 2026 May 1;56(1):105-19. doi:10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2026.1662520