Cancer is the second more common case of death in the United States. Each year, the American Cancer Society releases a report that estimates the number of new cancer cases and predicted deaths that will occur during the calendar year.
The report also includes mortality and survival statistics and information on cancer symptoms, risk factors, early detection and treatment, which have been complied every year since 1952.
The organization said that since a “war on cancer” was declared in 1971, improvements have been fueled by a decline in tobacco use, increased screening procedures and what was described as “modest to large improvements in treatment” for various types of cancer.
“Contrary to the pessimistic news from the popular media, overall cancer death rates have decreased substantially in both men and women,” said Ahemdin Jemal, an epidemiologist with the ACS.
The below chart highlights the most common cancers diagnosed in the United States and the ACS’s predictions for new cases being diagnosed, predicted deaths and whether mortality rates will decrease, increase or remain stable.
Cancer Type | New Cases | Predicted Deaths | Mortality Rate Men | Mortality Rate Women |
| Breast Cancer | 256,270 | 40,430 | – 3.0% | – 1.8% |
| Colon & Rectum | 136,830 | 50,310 | – 2.5% | – 3.0% |
| Kidney | 63,920 | 13,860 | – .9% | – .9% |
| Leukemia | 52,380 | 24,090 | – .8% | – 1.3% |
| Liver | 33,190 | 23,000 | + 2.3% | + 1.4% |
| Lung & Bronchus | 224,210 | 159,260 | – 2.9% | – 1.4% |
| Lymphoma | 79,990 | 20,170 | – 2.2% | – 2.6% |
| Oral Cavity | 42,440 | 8,390 | – 1.2% | – 2.1% |
| Ovary | 21,980 | 14,270 | n/a | – 2.8% |
| Pancreas | 46,420 | 39,590 | + .4% | + .4% |
| Prostate | 233,000 | 29,480 | – 3.1% | n/a |
| Skin (all types) | 76,100 | 12,980 | – 2.6% | – 2.0% |
| Thyroid | 62,980 | 1,890 | —– | —– |
| Urinary Bladder | 74,690 | 15,580 | —– | – 0.5% |
| Uterine Cervix | 12,360 | 4,020 | n/a | —– |
Despite the lower death rates, cancer remains one of the world’s most dangerous diseases and is one of the top killers of adults and children around the world.
With that in mind, even younger and healthier people are wise to consider a life insurance investment to help provide for their family’s long-term financial stability. Keep in mind that insurance rates are currently at an industry all-time low, which makes getting an affordable policy even easier.