Prime Highlights:
For the first time since the early 1900s, cancer rates among women under 65 have surpassed those of men in the same age group. Breast and thyroid cancers are major contributors to this increase.
Over 2 million new cancer cases and 618,000 cancer-related deaths are expected in the U.S. in 2025, highlighting the ongoing burden of the disease.
While cancer risk remains highest for those over 65, diagnoses are increasing for individuals under 65, particularly in the 50-64 age group, and even those under 50.
Key Background:
A new report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) reveals a concerning rise in cancer cases among women and younger adults in the United States, signaling a shift in trends that has not been seen since the early 1900s. According to the “Cancer Statistics” report, cancer rates among women under 65 have surpassed those of men in the same age group for the first time in history.
The report, which analyzes data from 1991 to 2021, provides a comprehensive overview of cancer trends and highlights both positive developments and troubling increases in cases. The American Cancer Society predicts that over 2 million new cancer diagnoses will occur in 2025, with 618,000 resulting in death. William Dahut, the ACS’s chief scientific officer, emphasized the staggering toll cancer continues to take, likening it to the loss of two mid-sized cities annually.
Among the key findings is the rising incidence of breast and thyroid cancers in women. Although thyroid cancer rates have stabilized recently, it was the fastest-growing cancer in the period under review. Additionally, the study found that cancer rates are rising among adults younger than 65, particularly in the 50-64 age group, and even among those under 50. Historically, cancer risk was higher in men of this age group.
Racial and gender disparities in cancer outcomes persist, the report reveals. Native American populations face significantly higher cancer rates, with incidences of kidney, liver, stomach, and cervical cancers two to three times higher than those in white populations. Furthermore, Black women are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer but are 50% more likely to die from it, as well as from cervical cancer.
The report also underscores some positive trends, including a significant decline in cancer mortality, which has dropped by 34% since 1991. This reduction, which accounts for over 4.5 million cancer deaths averted, is attributed to advances in early detection, treatment, and the decline in smoking rates. However, the overall increase in cancer rates, especially among women and younger adults, as well as ongoing disparities, highlights the need for continued efforts to address inequalities in cancer care and to close the persistent gaps in outcomes for various populations.
