Cancer Society: 34,000 New Cases Expected in Israel by Year-End

The National Council for Cancer Research estimates that approximately 34,000 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in Israel by the end of 2026. This figure represents about 654 Israelis informed weekly of a new cancer diagnosis. For comparison, around 27,000 cancer cases were diagnosed in Israel in 2016, according to the Ministry of Health. The society attributes the increase not solely to negative factors but also to natural population growth, increased life expectancy, and improved early detection programs.

Currently, in 2026, an estimated 300,000 cancer patients and survivors of various ages are living in Israel, undergoing treatment or follow-up. The most common cancers among adults are breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer. Among children and adolescents, leukemia, brain tumors, and lymphoma are the most prevalent, with about 500 young individuals diagnosed annually.

The society's annual "Knock on the Door" fundraising campaign begins today, Monday. Moshe Bar-Chaim, the organization's director general, stated that donations fund support and rehabilitation programs, services for children with cancer, and advocacy efforts. He also highlighted the organization's work in reducing smoking and raising awareness about alcohol consumption as a significant cancer risk factor.

Bar-Chaim also addressed the inadequacy of state funding for cancer research and treatment. He emphasized the need to increase the health basket budget to maintain a standard of oncology care comparable to Western countries. He further urged the next Knesset to prioritize national health, close gaps between the periphery and the center, address the healthcare workforce shortage, prevent doctors from leaving the country, and continue enacting legislation against tobacco and nicotine companies.