That five-year survival rate has improved from about 50 percent in the 1970s to 70 percent today. Gains stem from better treatments, earlier detection and lower smoking rates, turning many cancers into chronic diseases rather than immediate fatal conditions.


Credits: PA;


The report estimates that 4.8 million cancer deaths were prevented in the U.S. from 1991 to 2023 due to reduced mortality rates. Despite improved survival, more than 620,000 U.S. cancer deaths are projected for 2026, highlighting ongoing mortality burdens. Improvements have occurred across many cancer types, though some disparities in survival persist among demographic groups.