In the United States, cancer remains a major public health concern. It is the second leading cause of death overall and the leading cause of death among individuals younger than 85 years. The American Cancer Society releases updated national cancer statistics annually to monitor progress and identify emerging challenges. The Cancer Statistics, 2026 report highlights encouraging long-term advances while also underscoring persistent concerns, including rising incidence rates for several cancer types, ongoing racial and socioeconomic disparities, and potential adverse effects associated with reduced cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The United States is projected to record 2,114,850 new cancer cases and 626,140 cancer-related deaths in 2026. Although overall cancer mortality continues to decline, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death, accounting for more deaths than colorectal and pancreatic cancers combined. The estimates presented in Cancer Statistics, 2026, are based on population-level data, with cancer incidence estimates derived from population-based cancer registries and mortality estimates obtained from national death records. Incidence data were provided from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program and the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR), together covering nearly the entire U.S. population.Â
The information on mortality was obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. Standard international coding systems were used to categorize cancer cases, incidence, and mortality rates, which were age- adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population. Statistical modeling techniques were applied to project the number of new cancer cases and deaths expected in 2026. Relative survival was determined using standard actuarial methods and matched life tables for demographic characteristics.Â
The estimated 2,114,850 invasive cancer cases in 2026 are approximately equal to 5,800 new diagnoses each day. In addition, an estimated 122,680 cases of melanoma in situ and 60,730 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast are expected. Approximately one in three men (39.2%) and one in three women (38.7%) will develop invasive cancer during their lifetime. Although 60% of diagnoses occur in individuals aged 65 years or older, 12% are diagnosed in those younger than 50 years. Cancer deaths are projected to total 626,140 in 2026, equivalent to approximately 1,720 deaths per day.
Lung cancer remains the major cause of cancer mortality, with an estimated 124,990 deaths, exceeding the combined deaths from colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Cigarette smoking is responsible for about 87% of the lung cancers among men and 84% among women. Overall cancer death rate declined through 2023, resulting in an estimated 4.8 million cancer deaths averted since 1991.Â
The survival rate of cancer has improved substantially. During 2015-2021, the 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined reached 70%, compared with 63% in the mid-1990s. Notably, survival gains were observed even in historically high-mortality and advanced-stage cancers, including myeloma (increasing from 32% to 62%) and metastatic lung cancer (from 2% to 10%). Â
These findings highlight decades of progress driven by reductions in smoking, earlier diagnosis, and advances in cancer treatment. Rising survival rates, even for traditionally lethal cancers, underscore meaningful clinical and population-level improvements. Nevertheless, the report also highlights ongoing challenges. Â Â
Incidence rates of several cancers, including breast, pancreatic, and liver cancers, are persistently higher among individuals of certain races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses. Disruptions in cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic may also contribute to an increase in advanced-stage diagnoses in the coming years. The authors emphasize that continued progress will depend on sustained investment in cancer research, prevention, and equitable access to health insurance. Legislative proposals that threaten funding or coverage in these areas could jeopardize future improvements in cancer outcomes.
Reference: Siegel RL, Kratzer TB, Wagle NS et al., Cancer statistics, 2026. CA Cancer J Clin. 2026. doi:10.3322/caac.70043Â
