Cancer Deaths Are Falling But Cases Are Up
New cancer diagnoses to hit record this year among the middle-aged
By Bruce Japsen
For the first time, new cancer diagnoses are projected to surpass 2 million this year, thanks in large part to an increase in cancer cases among young Americans, the American Cancer Society says in its annual report.
The report, which some have described as “alarming,” reverses a downward trend over the last 30 years showing the risk of dying from cancer has steadily declined, “sparing some 4 million lives in the U.S.,” the American Cancer Society said. “This downward trend can partially be explained by big wins in smoking cessation, early cancer detection, and treatment advancements.”
Deaths declined for three decades largely due to decreases in smoking rates as well as improved treatments, more targeted therapies, improved screenings and diagnostic tests.
5,500 New Cancer Diagnoses a Day
But cancer incidence is on the rise and for many common cancers, the Cancer Society said. In 2024, for example, a “bleak milestone” of more than 2 million “first time” cancer cases in the U.S. will be hit. That amounts to almost 5,500 new cancer diagnoses every day.
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