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Cancer survivorship rates will rise in the U.S.
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
The number of Americans with a history of cancer currently stands at 13.7 million, a number projected to rise to 18 million by 2022.
According to the Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Facts and Figures report, compiled by experts from the American Cancer Society, the number of cancer survivors is growing due to the aging population and the increase in the number of people on Earth. In addition, the survival rate for cancer patients is improving.
The three most common cancers among men who survived cancer were prostate cancer (43%), colorectal cancer (9%), and melanoma (7%). Among women who survived cancer, the most common cancers were breast cancer (41%), uterine cancer (8%), and colorectal cancer (8%).
Almost half (45%) of survivors are 70 years of age or older, and only 5% are under 40. The median age of cancer patients at diagnosis is 66. There are 58,510 childhood cancer survivors living in the United States, and an additional 12,060 children will be diagnosed with the disease in 2012.
In most cured cancer patients, the disease was diagnosed more than five years ago, and in 15% - twenty or more years ago.
The report, Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Facts and Figures, is published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Let us recall that moderate alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer recurrence by 30%. “Moderate consumption” means at least three to four servings of alcohol per week, and the type of drink does not matter.
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