Cancer five-year survival reaches 70% in recent U.S. report.

The American Cancer Society reports that 70% of U.S. cancer patients diagnosed 2015–2021 survived at least five years, up from about 49% in the mid-1970s; the report also notes rising incidence for several common cancers and persistent racial disparities.

An American Cancer Society report shows that 70% of U.S. cancer patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2021 survived at least five years. That five-year survival rate has improved from about 49% in the mid-1970s. The authors used population-based data from cancer registries and the National Center for Health Statistics to assess trends. The report highlights large survival gains for some historically fatal cancers while also noting rising incidence for several types and persistent disparities. Key findings: - Seventy percent of patients diagnosed 2015–2021 survived at least five years, compared with about 49% in the mid-1970s. - Notable survival gains since the mid-1990s include myeloma (32% to 62%), liver cancer (7% to 22%), and lung cancer (15% to 28%). - Five-year survival for advanced cancers doubled from 17% to 35% overall; locally advanced lung cancer improved from 20% to 37% and metastatic lung cancer from 2% to 10%. - The authors estimate that more effective treatments, earlier detection, and reduced smoking prevented about 4.8 million cancer deaths from 1991–2023. - Incidence is rising for several common cancers, including breast, prostate, oral, pancreas, and endometrial cancers; among women, liver cancer and melanoma incidence is also increasing. - The report finds Native American people have the highest cancer mortality, with rates about double those of white people for kidney, liver, stomach, and cervical cancers, and projects more than 2 million new diagnoses and over 600,000 deaths in 2026. Summary: The report credits decades of research, improved treatments, and early detection with substantial survival gains, but cancer remains the second-leading cause of death in the United States and several cancers are increasing in incidence. Persistent racial and population disparities mean the overall burden remains high. Undetermined at this time.