The Fight Against Cancer: Gains and New Battles
Cancer mortality has dropped by an impressive 34% since 1991, saving an estimated 4.5 million lives. Yet, the report highlighted a troubling rise in cancer diagnoses among women and younger adults.
- Women and Cancer: Women under 65 now face a higher likelihood of cancer than men in the same age group. Among women under 50, the gap is stark—82% higher than men, compared to 51% in 2002.
- Pancreatic Cancer’s Grim Reality: Pancreatic cancer continues to rise. It’s now the third leading cause of cancer death, with survival rates stubbornly stuck at just 8%.
“Continued reductions in cancer mortality because of drops in smoking, better treatment, and earlier detection is certainly great news,” said Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the report. “However, this progress is tempered by rising incidence in young and middle-aged women, who are often the family caregivers, and a shifting cancer burden from men to women, harkening back to the early 1900s when cancer was more common in women.”
Clear Trends, Tough Realities
Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society, outlined critical trends that demand action:
- Lung Cancer and Gender: Women under 65 now have higher lung cancer rates than men, a shift tied to smoking habits and the rise of non-smoking-related lung cancer.
- Age and Diagnosis: Though age remains the most significant risk factor, diagnoses among those over 65 are decreasing. Meanwhile, cancer is rising in adults aged 50-64 and those under 50.
Unequal Burdens
The battle against cancer is far from equitable:
- Racial Disparities: Black Americans face double the death rate of white Americans for prostate, stomach, and uterine cancers. For breast cancer, Black women are more likely to die despite lower incidence.
“Cancer care disparities remain a glaring problem,” said Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, ACS’s senior vice president of health equity science. “Ending these inequalities is critical to saving lives.”
A Path Forward
The ACS calls for individual and systemic action:
- Know your family history to guide screenings.
- Maintain a healthy diet and stay active.
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption.
- Get vaccinated, especially against HPV.
At the same time, the ACS urges greater investment in equitable screening programs and research.
Call to Action
Cancer will touch over 2 million lives in 2025, with more than 618,000 deaths projected and remains the second leading cause of death in America.
The overall message from the briefing is that more work needs to be done.
“As the largest non-government, non-profit funding source of cancer research in the U.S., we are currently financing more than $450 million in grants to scientists,” Dr. Frederick said. “Our goal is to find answers that help save lives.”
Conclusion
The American Cancer Society’s 2025 report highlights the shifting landscape of cancer in the United States. While there have been significant gains in cancer mortality rates, the data also reveals rising cancer diagnoses among women and younger adults. The ACS urges individuals and policymakers to take action to address these trends, including increasing investment in equitable screening programs and research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key findings of the 2025 ACS report?
The report highlights a 34% decline in cancer mortality rates since 1991, as well as a rise in cancer diagnoses among women and younger adults.
What is the current cancer burden in the United States?
Cancer is projected to touch over 2 million lives in 2025, with more than 618,000 deaths expected.
What can individuals do to reduce their risk of cancer?
The ACS recommends knowing your family history to guide screenings, maintaining a healthy diet and staying active, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption, and getting vaccinated, especially against HPV.
What are the racial disparities in cancer outcomes?
Black Americans face double the death rate of white Americans for certain cancers, including prostate, stomach, and uterine cancers, and are more likely to die from breast cancer despite lower incidence.
