Cancer survival rates reach record high, but deadliest cancers remain a threat to Americans

The American Cancer Society reports U.S. five-year cancer survival has risen to about 70% from roughly 50% in the mid-1970s, while it projects about 2.1 million new cancer cases in 2026.

The American Cancer Society's 75th annual Cancer Statistics Report shows longer survival for many people diagnosed with cancer. The report notes the U.S. five‑year cancer survival rate is about 70%, up from roughly 50% in the mid‑1970s. Researchers attribute gains to advances in treatment and earlier diagnosis. Experts cited personalized approaches and changes in screening as contributing factors. Key findings: - Five‑year overall cancer survival in the U.S. is now about 70%, compared with about 50% in the mid‑1970s. - Survival improved markedly for several cancers: liver cancer rose from 7% in the 1990s to 22% in 2023; lung cancer from 15% to 28%; and multiple myeloma from 32% to 62%. - Relative survival for all distant‑stage cancers combined doubled from 17% in the mid‑1990s to 35% for diagnoses from 2015 to 2021. - The ACS estimates roughly 2.1 million new cancer cases in 2026 and projects about 626,140 cancer deaths in 2026, with lung cancer listed as the leading cause of those deaths, followed by colorectal and pancreatic cancers. - Since its peak in 1991 the overall cancer death rate has declined 34%, and the report estimated about 4.8 million cancer deaths were prevented as of 2023. Summary: The report highlights substantial improvements in survival linked to new therapies, targeted drugs and earlier detection, yet several cancer types continue to account for a large share of deaths. The American Cancer Society's projected case and mortality totals for 2026 indicate the overall burden of cancer remains significant. Undetermined at this time.