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The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) 2025 annual report delivers mixed news on cancer trends in the United States. While overall cancer mortality has dropped by 34% since 1991, disparities in outcomes persist, and cancer rates among women and younger adults are on the rise, sparking concerns among experts.
Rebecca Siegel, MPH, lead author of the report, emphasized both progress and ongoing challenges. “We’ve made great strides, translating into 4.5 million fewer cancer deaths,” she said. However, she cautioned that the rising incidence of cancers like pancreatic, breast, and liver cancer requires urgent attention. The ACS estimates 2,041,910 new cancer diagnoses and 618,120 deaths in 2025.
Shift Toward Younger Adults and Women
A concerning trend identified in the report is the increasing cancer burden among women and younger adults. From 2002 to 2021, cancer incidence rose nearly 20% in women under 50, driven by breast and thyroid cancers. Cancer rates in women aged 50-64 years now surpass those in men of the same age group.
“The shift to younger patients is particularly troubling,” said Dr. Angela DeMichele of the University of Pennsylvania. “These patients face unique challenges, including fertility preservation and balancing cancer care with work and family responsibilities.”
Disparities Among Native American and Black Populations
The report highlights persistent disparities in cancer mortality among racial and ethnic groups. Native American populations experience rates two to three times higher than White populations for kidney, liver, stomach, and cervical cancers. Black Americans face double the mortality rates of Whites for prostate, stomach, and uterine cancers.
“It’s vital to address these disparities through equitable cancer care,” said Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, a senior ACS researcher. “Ending discrimination in healthcare is essential to closing these gaps.”
Notable Increases in Common Cancers
Several common cancers show alarming incidence trends:
- Breast cancer in women: Increased by 1.6% annually (2017-2021).
- Prostate cancer: The steepest rise, at 3% per year (2014-2021).
- Pancreatic cancer: Up by 1.1% annually, with survival rates remaining low.
- Liver cancer in women: Increased by 2% annually.
“Pancreatic cancer remains especially challenging,” said Siegel, noting its grim five-year survival rate of just 8%.
Progress in Other Areas
There is good news in declining rates for some cancers:
- Thyroid cancer: Reduced by 2% annually since 2014, reflecting better diagnostic practices.
- Lung cancer: Mortality has decreased by 61% in men and 38% in women since the 1990s, thanks to earlier detection and treatment advances.
However, lung cancer screening remains underutilized, with only 10%-30% of eligible adults participating, leading to late-stage diagnoses in nearly half of cases.
A Call to Action
The ACS report underscores the need for targeted efforts to address disparities and improve care for younger and diverse populations. “These data guide where we need to focus research and interventions,” said DeMichele.
Despite challenges, the progress achieved since the 1990s offers hope. Experts agree that continued advances in screening, treatment, and equitable access to care can further reduce the burden of cancer for all Americans.
