Progress in the Fight Against Cancer

A new nationwide report reveals significant progress in the fight against cancer, even as obesity-related cancers and persistent disparities pose ongoing challenges.

According to the 2025 Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, overall cancer death rates dropped consistently from 2001 to 2022—including during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings, published April 21 in Cancer, highlight:

Cancer Incidence and Death Rates

Men: Cancer incidence (new diagnoses) fell from 2001 to 2013, then stabilized through 2021.

Women: Incidence rose slightly annually from 2003 to 2021, except for a dip in 2020.

Researchers credit declining smoking rates for reduced lung cancer cases and deaths in both sexes over the past two decades. However, obesity-linked cancers—including breast, uterine, colorectal, pancreatic, kidney, and liver cancers—are rising.

Notable Trends by Age and Demographics

Breast cancer: Diagnoses increased gradually, but death rates fell.

– Children: Cancer deaths declined steadily.

– Young adults: Death rates dropped initially but stabilized recently.

– Racial disparities (2017–2021):

Men: Highest incidence in non-Hispanic Black men.

Women: Highest incidence in American Indian/Alaska Native women.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Cancer diagnoses plummeted in 2020 due to healthcare disruptions but rebounded to pre-pandemic levels by 2021. The decline was similar across states, regardless of COVID-19 restrictions, underscoring the need for uninterrupted cancer care.

Challenges and Future Directions

While public health efforts have curbed smoking-related cancers, rising obesity and unequal access to care demand targeted action to sustain progress.

This report was a collaboration between the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Cancer Society (ACS), and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR)

Read the full report: seer.cancer.gov/report_to_nation

Conclusion

The 2025 Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer highlights significant progress in the fight against cancer, but also underscores the need for continued efforts to address rising obesity-related cancers and persistent disparities. By understanding these trends and challenges, we can work towards a future where cancer is no longer a major public health burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the main findings of the 2025 Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer?

A: The report finds that overall cancer death rates dropped consistently from 2001 to 2022, with declining smoking rates contributing to reduced lung cancer cases and deaths. However, obesity-linked cancers are rising, and persistent disparities pose ongoing challenges.

Q: How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact cancer diagnoses and care?

A: Cancer diagnoses plummeted in 2020 due to healthcare disruptions but rebounded to pre-pandemic levels by 2021. The decline was similar across states, regardless of COVID-19 restrictions, underscoring the need for uninterrupted cancer care.

Q: What can be done to sustain progress in the fight against cancer?

A: Targeted action is needed to address rising obesity and unequal access to care, including increased public health efforts to reduce obesity and improve access to cancer screening and treatment.