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May 31, 2025 — The number of people living with a history of cancer in the United States is expected to exceed 22 million by 2035, according to a landmark report released today by the American Cancer Society (ACS). As of January 1, 2025, approximately 18.6 million Americans are cancer survivors—a figure set to rise sharply over the next decade.
The report, titled Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Statistics, 2025, was published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians and highlights both the progress and the persistent challenges in cancer care. The ACS collaborated with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to analyze data from multiple national cancer registries and the U.S. Census Bureau, providing a comprehensive overview of cancer prevalence, treatment patterns, and survivorship issues across the country.
Key Findings
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Rising Numbers: The survivor population is projected to grow to more than 22 million by 2035, reflecting advances in early detection and treatment.
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Most Prevalent Cancers: Among males, prostate (3.55 million), melanoma of the skin (816,580), and colorectal (729,550) cancers are most common. Among females, breast (4.3 million), uterine corpus (945,540), and thyroid (859,890) cancers lead.
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Age and Diagnosis: Nearly 80% of survivors are aged 60 and older, and about half were diagnosed within the past decade.
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Geographic Variation: Survivor numbers vary widely by state, from nearly 2 million in California to about 32,000 in Wyoming.
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Projected Growth: Female breast cancer survivors are expected to reach 5.3 million by 2035, the largest increase among all cancer types.
Disparities and Unmet Needs
Despite the encouraging growth in survivorship, the report underscores significant disparities in cancer care. Uninsured individuals diagnosed with early-stage colorectal cancer have lower five-year survival rates than privately insured patients with more advanced disease. Racial disparities are also evident: for example, Black patients with early-stage lung or rectal cancer are less likely to undergo surgery compared to their White counterparts.
“Behind every survivor of cancer, there is a story of resilience, but also of unmet needs,” said Dr. Nikita Sandeep Wagle, principal scientist at the ACS and lead author of the report. Survivors often face long-term effects of treatment, financial hardship, and fear of recurrence—challenges that require ongoing attention and support.
Call to Action
Experts stress the importance of expanding access to high-quality cancer care, regardless of race, insurance status, or income. “Efforts to expand access to high-quality care regardless of your skin color or bank balance are vital to reducing disparities and advancing equity for everyone affected by cancer, which is ultimately all of us,” said Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director at the ACS.
Lisa A. Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, emphasized the urgency of protecting and expanding access to care, especially as proposed cuts to Medicaid and prevention programs loom. “We cannot afford to turn back the clock now,” she said.
Looking Forward
The report’s findings demonstrate that progress in early detection and treatment is making a real difference in the fight against cancer. However, the growing survivor population also brings new challenges, including addressing the long-term physical, emotional, and financial needs of survivors.
As the U.S. prepares for a future with more cancer survivors than ever before, experts urge continued investment in research, prevention, and equitable access to care.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on a summary of findings from the American Cancer Society’s report as published on News-Medical.net. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. For more details or personal health concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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