How many people are killed by cancer each year
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Annual Cancer Mortality Statistics
Global Cancer Mortality Rates
Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with significant annual mortality rates. In 2020, it was estimated that nearly 10 million people died from cancer globally, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer. The most common causes of cancer death were lung cancer (1.79 million deaths), liver cancer (830,000 deaths), and stomach cancer (769,000 deaths).
Cancer Mortality in the United States
Recent Trends and Projections
In the United States, the American Cancer Society provides annual estimates of cancer incidence and mortality. For 2023, it is projected that there will be 609,820 cancer deaths. This figure has remained relatively stable over recent years, with 609,360 deaths projected in 2022 and 608,570 in 2021.
Historical Data and Decline in Death Rates
The cancer death rate in the U.S. has been on a decline since its peak in 1991. For instance, in 2020, there were 606,520 cancer deaths projected, and in 2019, the number was slightly higher at 606,880. This decline is attributed to reductions in smoking, improvements in early detection, and advancements in treatment.
Specific Cancer Types
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., with approximately 350 deaths per day projected in 2022. Other significant contributors to cancer mortality include breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers, although the death rates for these cancers have shown varying trends over the years .
Conclusion
Cancer continues to be a major health challenge globally and in the United States, with millions of deaths each year. However, ongoing efforts in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment are contributing to a gradual decline in cancer mortality rates. Continued investment in cancer research and equitable application of cancer control knowledge are essential to further reduce the burden of this disease.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic