The American Cancer Society (ACS) has published its annual report, “Cancer Statistics, 2026,” revealing that the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined has reached an impressive 70% for patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2021 in the United States. This marks a notable increase from previous decades, demonstrating significant advancements in cancer treatment and research.

Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director of surveillance research at ACS and lead author of the report, highlighted the progress: “Seven in 10 people now survive their cancer five years or more, up from only half in the mid-70s. This stunning victory is largely the result of decades of cancer research that provided clinicians with the tools to treat the disease more effectively, turning many cancers from a death sentence into a chronic disease.”

The report notes considerable improvements in survival rates for some of the most fatal cancers since the mid-1990s. For instance, the five-year survival rate for myeloma has increased from 32% to 62%, liver cancer from 7% to 22%, and lung cancer from 15% to 28%.

This year, approximately 2,114,850 new cancer cases are projected to be diagnosed in the U.S., equating to about 5,800 new cases each day. Despite the decline in cancer mortality rates—down 34% since their peak in 1991—many common cancers, including breast and pancreatic cancer, continue to see rising incidence rates.

Shane Jacobson, CEO of ACS and the ACS Cancer Action Network, shared concern about potential setbacks in cancer research funding and access to health insurance. “But now, threats to cancer research funding and the significant impact on access to health insurance could reverse this progress and stall future breakthroughs. We can’t stop now. There is still much work to be done.”

Apart from overall survival rates, the report emphasizes improvements in five-year survival for patients diagnosed at a distant stage. For distant-stage cancers, survival rates have doubled since the mid-90s, from 17% to 35%.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in 2026, surpassing colorectal and pancreatic cancers combined. For those diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, the five-year survival rate has risen from 20% to 37% for regional-stage disease, and from 2% to 10% for distant-stage disease.

The report also highlights significant disparities in cancer mortality rates among different racial and ethnic groups. Native Americans have the highest cancer mortality rates, with death rates for certain cancers, such as kidney and liver cancer, around twice that of White individuals. Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, senior vice president at ACS, emphasized the need to address these disparities: “Lack of access to high-quality cancer care and socioeconomics continues to play a significant role in persistent racial disparities.”

As cancer treatments evolve, the focus is also shifting toward survivorship, addressing the physical, emotional, and financial challenges faced by cancer survivors. Dr. William Dahut, ACS chief scientific officer, noted the importance of providing comprehensive support for survivors. “With survival rates increasing, more strategies will be necessary to ensure everyone has the support needed to have not only more days but better days.”

The ACS Cancer Statistics report serves as a critical resource for understanding cancer trends and outcomes, aiming to inform cancer control efforts and improve public health. For further information, ACS has developed guidelines for cancer survivors, available on their website.

Additional ACS Resources:
Cancer Statistics Report 2025
Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Report 2025
VOICES of Black Women Study
Cancer Survivors Network
CancerRisk360

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About the American Cancer Society 
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 110 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.