More People Survive Cancer, Report Shows

MedPage Today January 14, 2026
Mike Bassett

Almost 5 million cancer deaths averted since 1991, according to the American Cancer Society

Key Takeaways

• The American Cancer Society’s annual report showed that the cancer mortality rate continued to decline in the U.S., falling by 34% since 1991, translating to an estimated 4.8 million lives saved.
• The 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers diagnosed between 2015 and 2021 reached the 70% benchmark for the first time.
• Improvements in cancer mortality were most likely due to reductions in smoking, earlier detection, and improved treatment.

The cancer mortality rate continued to decline in the U.S., falling by 34% since 1991, which translated to an estimated 4.8 million lives saved, according to the American Cancer Society’s latest annual report.

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