LONDON -- The World Health Organization's cancer agency warns there will be 22 million new cases of cancer every year within the next two decades.

Monday's report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer estimated in 2012 there were 14 million new cases but predicted that figure would jump significantly due to global aging and the spread of cancers to developing countries. The Lyon-based cancer arm of the WHO said more than 60 per cent of the world's cancer cases are in Africa, Asia, Central and South America.

In 2012, IARC said the top cancer killers were those of the lung, liver and stomach. The agency called for countries to consider stronger legislation to encourage healthier lifestyles, including measures to tackle consumption of alcohol and sugary drinks.