Early diagnosis and intervention are causing more Americans to survive cancer, according to an American Cancer Society (ACS) analysis.
Although survival rates are increasing, so is cancer incidence. The report estimates that the number of people living in the United States with cancer history will rise by over 3 million in the next decade.
Key findings:
· Nearly 18.6 million people living in the U.S. have cancer history.
· California has the highest rate of cancer survivors (nearly 2 million), compared to other states.
· Male and female patients have the most incidence of prostate and breast cancers.
· The majority of cancer survivors are over 60 years of age.
· Racial disparities were found regarding treatment.
“Targeted, multi-level efforts to expand access to high-quality care and survivorship resources are vital to reducing disparities and advancing support for all survivors of cancer,” the authors emphasize.
