By Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 14, 2026 (HealthDay News) -- Cancer survival rates in the United States are better than they've ever been.
For the first time, the five-year survival rate for all cancers combined reached a landmark 70%, the American Cancer Society (ACS) said in its 2026 cancer statistics report.
That survival rate among people diagnosed between 2015 and 2021 reflects survival gains against cancers that are considered more deadly, the report said.
- Lung cancer is projected to cause the most cancer deaths in 2026, more than the combined deaths from second-ranking colon cancer and third-ranking pancreatic cancer.
- About 3 of 4 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer at an advanced stage, the report said.
- But even these patients benefit from advances against cancer, the report said. Five-year survival rates have increased since the mid-1990s from 20% to 37% for lung cancers that have spread but not far, and from 2% to 10% for cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.
The report also noted that racial disparities persist in cancer statistics.
For example, Native American people have the highest cancer death rates -- double those of white people -- for cancers of the kidney, liver, stomach and cervix.
"Lack of access to high-quality cancer care and socioeconomics continues to play a significant role in persistent racial disparities," senior report author Dr. Ahmedin Jemal said in a news release. He's senior vice president of surveillance, prevention, and health services research at the ACS.
"Efforts need to be focused on these areas so successful targeted cancer control interventions can be more broadly and equitably applied to all populations," Jemal said.
Medicine also will need to step up its game to provide ongoing support for those who survive cancer, as they often are at greater risk for other chronic diseases following their brush with cancer.
"Oncology treatment goes far beyond the medical care used to manage or attempt to cure the disease. With survival rates increasing, this leads us to cancer survivorship, which means addressing the physical, emotional, and financial challenges these patients can face," ACS chief scientific officer Dr. William Dahut said in a news release.
"We are encouraged by the number of resources to assist the millions of survivors, along with the caregivers and clinicians, but more strategies will be necessary to ensure everyone has the support needed to have not only more days but better days," he said.
The new report appears in CA: A Cancer Journal For Clinicians.
More information
The American Cancer Society has developed guidelines for cancer survivors.
SOURCE: American Cancer Society, news release, Jan. 13, 2026