The American Cancer Society’s Cancer Statistics 2026 report projects an estimated 2.1 million new cancer cases and 626,140 cancer deaths in the US. Due to transformative immunotherapy, earlier detection, and smoking reductions, the 5-year relative survival rate has reached a historic milestone of 70%.

Highlights from the American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2026

* Leading causes: Lung cancer remains the number one cause of cancer mortality — causing more deaths than colorectal and pancreatic cancers combined

* Top cancers by gender:  For men – prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers.  For women – breast, lung and colorectal cancers

* Daily burden: 5,800 new diagnosis and 1,729 cancer-related deaths occur every single day

Key Progress —

* Record Survival: the overall 5-year survival rate has climbed to 70% for diagnosis made between 2015 and 2021 (up from 49% in the 1970s)

* Declining Mortality: since 1991, the overall cancer death rate has dropped by 34% , averting an estimated 4.8 million deaths

* Metastatic Advances: survival rates for previously hard-to-treat and advanced stage cancers — including liver cancer, myeloma, and metastatic melanoma — have significantly improved by advanced immunotherapy and targetted treatments

Rising Concerns & Disparities —

* Early-Onset Cases:  There is a concerning upward trend in breast and colorectal cancer diagnoses in adults younger that 50

* Prostate Cancer:  Incidences of advanced-stage prostate cancer continue to rise

* Persistent Gaps: Health and survival disparities remain highly visible with Alaskan Natives and Native Americans facing the highest death rates.  Black men face elevated prostate cancer mortality.  Black women suffer higher mortality rates from breast and uterine cancers

* Healthcare Threats:  Oncologists warn that impending federal cuts to healthcare access and research funding could jeopardize these survival gains

Cancer in Children & Adolescents

* Cancer is the second most common cause of death among children aged 1–14 years (after accidents) and the fourth most common cause of death among adolescents (aged 15–19 years). In 2026, an estimated 9680 children (aged birth to 14 years) and 5660 adolescents (aged 15–19 years) will be diagnosed with cancer, and 1090 and 730, respectively, will die from the disease.

Summarized from American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2026