U.S. cancer survival hits historic high, but risks and inequities persist

There is good news for the millions of Americans diagnosed with cancer each year. The 2026 American Cancer Society Facts and Figures Report released Tuesday showed more people are surviving cancer than ever before. 

The nationwide five-year cancer survival rate has reached 70% for the first time, with seven in 10 people diagnosed today expected to live at least five years. The rate is up from about 49% in the 1970s.

Oncologists say decades of research, improved treatments and earlier detection have driven those gains. Advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapy have helped transform outcomes, including for people with metastatic cancer. 

“When we look at people surviving cancer at least five years, we’ve doubled that number with metastatic cancer. That’s really transformative,” said Dr. Bill Dahut, American Cancer Society chief scientific officer.

The number of cancer survivors in the U.S. is now an estimated 18 million. Roughly half of those individuals were diagnosed within the last decade. 

“We continue to make progress in reducing mortality and improving survivorship, yet the cancer burden remains unacceptably high,” said American Cancer Society CEO Shane Jacobson. “The American Cancer Society's continued focus on research is critical.”

Increased longevity after diagnosis is shifting attention toward better care and support for survivors, long after treatment ends. 

"Cancer diagnosis is a leading risk factor for personal bankruptcy,” said Dr. Arif Kamal, American Cancer Society chief patient officer. “We know between 30-40% – that number comes from our colleagues at American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network – can use up their entire life savings during the course of their cancer journey.”

Survivors of childhood cancers, like leukemia, often face long-term health challenges, including higher risks of cardiovascular disease and secondary cancers, underscoring the need for ongoing care.

Experts also note survivors of all cancers face ongoing emotional, social and logistical challenges, highlighting the need for comprehensive support programs.

Despite progress on many fronts, cancer remains the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 85. 

The American Cancer Society estimates 2.1 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed this year. More than 624,000 people are expected to die from cancer. 

Lung cancer was once again found to be the leading cause of cancer death, followed by colorectal and pancreatic cancers. 

Tobacco use remained the leading risk factor of cancers, despite an overall decrease in smoking rates in recent years. 

“Back in the 1960s about 44% of people were active smokers, and now that’s down to about 11%,” Dahut shared. “About 50% of all those diagnosed with cancer were smokers, either currently or in the past.”

The data found only about 18% of Americans eligible for lung cancer screenings actually receive them. However, physicians noted the estimate is based on surveys, and the American Cancer Society states the true value is likely lower. 

At the same time, increased screenings have led to a rise in colorectal cancer incidents rates for younger adults. 

“Now that screening has increased between the ages of 45-49, there’s an over 6% increase in those who have colorectal cancer between 45-49,” explained Dahut. “While we’re screening more people, we’re finding cancers in those groups. We think a lot of this is driven by either environmental factors or lifestyle changes.”

Rising rates of endometrial and pancreatic cancers are also linked to obesity, according to the newly released data.

The 2026 Facts and Figures Report also found the burden of cancer mortality is not shared equally. 

American Indian and Alaska Native populations experience the highest overall cancer mortality. Black Americans are more likely to die from certain cancers, despite similar diagnosis rates.

“We see folks diagnosed at a much later stage, and oftentimes we’re concerned that the therapies that are received elsewhere — lifesaving gene therapies — are not always available,” Dahut said. “This is really a major crisis.”

Disparities are particularly noticeable within kidney and stomach cancers, according to the data. Health experts stress that increasing access to screening, insurance coverage and supportive services will be critical to ensuring continued progress reaches every community.

While the new report highlights historic gains in survival, researchers say it also underscores the need for sustained investment in cancer research, prevention and survivorship care.