A new report from the American Cancer Society indicates a significant milestone in cancer survival rates, revealing that 70% of Americans diagnosed with cancer now survive for at least five years. This statistic reflects a remarkable increase from just 50% in the mid-1970s, underlining the success of early detection methods and advancements in treatment options. The findings were released in the Society’s annual report on March 5, 2024.
According to Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the report, the increase in survival rates is attributed to extensive cancer research funding. Siegel stated, “This stunning victory is largely the result of decades of cancer research that provided clinicians with the tools to treat the disease more effectively, turning many cancers from a death sentence into a chronic disease.”
Declining Cancer Mortality Rates
The report highlights that the cancer mortality rate has continued to decline through 2023, with an estimated 4.8 million deaths averted since 1991. Yet, projections for 2026 suggest the emergence of more than 2 million new cancer cases and over 626,000 cancer-related deaths in the United States. The report indicates that men generally face a higher incidence and mortality rate from cancer compared to women.
Advancements in survival rates are largely attributed to decreased tobacco use, improved early detection methods, and more effective treatments. William Dahut, chief scientific officer for the American Cancer Society, emphasized the critical role of research funding in these advancements. He noted that the funding cuts implemented by the Trump administration in early 2025, which slashed millions in health research grants including those for cancer studies, could threaten future progress.
Striking Improvements in Fatal Cancer Types
The report reveals notable survival gains among individuals diagnosed with traditionally lethal cancers such as myeloma, liver cancer, and lung cancer. For instance, the survival rate for patients with metastatic rectal cancer has improved from 8% in the mid-1990s to 18% today. Similarly, survival rates for metastatic lung cancer patients have increased from 2% to 10%.
Experts like Sharon Giordano, chair of breast medical oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, have expressed optimism about these findings, stating, “Overall, the findings in this report are highly encouraging and demonstrate that meaningful progress has been made in the fight against cancer.”
Despite these advancements, disparities remain. The report notes that Native American populations experience the highest cancer mortality rates, being twice as likely as white individuals to die from kidney, liver, stomach, and uterine cervix cancers. Furthermore, cancer survival rates for Black individuals are lower than those for white individuals across nearly all cancer types. Researchers attribute these gaps to limited access to quality care, from prevention through treatment.
As the population of cancer survivors grows—projected to exceed 22 million by 2035—there is a pressing need to enhance care for these individuals. As of January 2024, there were over 18.6 million cancer survivors in the United States. Dahut pointed out, “In our current medical system, we don’t really have a great model for who’s best to follow cancer survivors. Many primary care providers don’t have expertise in survivorship and cancer recurrence.”
In conclusion, the American Cancer Society’s report reflects significant progress in cancer survival rates, emphasizing the importance of sustained research funding and the need for improved care systems for the increasing number of cancer survivors. The journey towards better cancer outcomes continues, as scientists and healthcare professionals work to address remaining challenges in treatment and care.
