LOS ANGELES — The American Cancer Society today released its annual “Cancer Statistics, 2026” and “Cancer Facts & Figures 2026” report — the first national snapshot of this year’s cancer trends. The new data show a historic milestone: U.S. cancer survivorship has reached a record 70%, driven by major gains in cancers once considered difficult to treat, including lung, liver and myeloma. The report also spotlights persistent disparities, concerning increases in cancer among women and younger adults, and growing survivorship needs as nearly 19 million Americans live with or beyond cancer.
Experts from City of Hope ® , one of the country’s leading cancer research and treatment institutions, are available immediately for interviews to help interpret key trends and provide context for how these findings affect patients, families and the future of cancer care.
We also have patients available for interviews.
Big ‑ Picture Perspective on National Cancer Trends
Survival gains • Rising incidence • Prevention • Scientific advances • Treatment breakthroughs and evolution
Cancer Survivorship & Long‑Term Care
A record 70% of people now survive at least five years after a cancer diagnosis, contributing to nearly 19 million Americans living with or beyond cancer. As survivorship grows, the report underscores the persistent long‑term physical, emotional and financial challenges many survivors face — highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive, equitable survivorship and supportive care services.
Lung Cancer: Still the Deadliest Cancer in America
Lung cancer is expected to cause more deaths in 2026 than colorectal and pancreatic cancers combined. The new report shows meaningful progress: five‑year survival for advanced disease has improved, rising to 37% for regional‑stage cancer and 10% for distant‑stage diagnoses. Even with these gains, lung cancer’s heavy toll underscores the continued need for early detection, prevention and equitable access to high‑quality care.
Shifting Cancer Burden in Women & Younger Adults
The American Cancer Society report highlights a continued and concerning rise in cancer diagnoses among women and younger adults, reflecting shifting patterns in disease burden. These trends underscore critical questions about screening, prevention, risk factors, and access to specialty and supportive care across age groups.
Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, Diet & Exercise
The report highlights that excess body weight, poor diet, physical inactivity and alcohol use contribute to many common cancers. With obesity remaining widespread, researchers are also watching how rising use of GLP‑1 weight‑loss medications may shape future cancer trends. Growing evidence links ultra‑processed foods and other everyday exposures to increased cancer risk, reinforcing a simple message: healthy eating, regular activity and weight management are powerful ways to lower cancer risk.
AI and Detection Technology Advances
Early detection remains one of the strongest drivers of improved cancer survival. Advances in screening and diagnostic approaches are helping identify cancers at earlier, more treatable stages. Looking ahead, emerging tools like including AI‑enabled technologies may further support timely and accurate detection, reinforcing the report’s core message that earlier diagnosis saves lives.
CAR T Cell Therapy & Precision Medicine
Advances in precision medicine like targeted therapies and modern immunotherapies are driving major improvements in survival for cancers once considered highly lethal. These breakthroughs are part of a broader wave of personalized treatment approaches that are reshaping cancer care and expanding options for patients with advanced disease.
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About City of Hope
City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines , as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked among the nation’s top cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, Orange County, California, campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHope TM . For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook , X , YouTube , Instagram and LinkedIn .
CA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians
Cancer Statistics, 2026
13-Jan-2026