How many people die from cancer each year

Pro Research Analysisby

Searched over 200M research papers

Analyzed relevant papers

Consensus Meter

Yes

Possibly

Annual Cancer Mortality Statistics

Overview of Cancer Mortality Rates

Cancer remains a significant cause of mortality worldwide, with substantial annual death tolls. In the United States alone, the number of cancer-related deaths has been meticulously tracked and reported by the American Cancer Society. The data reveals a consistent pattern of high mortality rates, although there have been notable declines over the years due to advancements in treatment and early detection.

Annual Cancer Deaths in Recent Years

2023 Projections

In 2023, it is projected that there will be approximately 609,820 cancer deaths in the United States. This figure underscores the persistent challenge that cancer poses to public health despite ongoing efforts to combat the disease.

Historical Data and Trends

2022: The projected number of cancer deaths was 609,360.
2021: The estimated cancer deaths were 608,570.
2020: The number of cancer deaths was projected to be 606,520.
2019: The projected cancer deaths were 606,880.
2018: The estimated number of cancer deaths was 609,640.
2015: The projected cancer deaths were 589,430.
2014: The number of cancer deaths was projected to be 585,720.
2013: The estimated cancer deaths were 580,350.

Decline in Cancer Mortality Rates

Despite the high number of annual deaths, there has been a significant decline in cancer mortality rates over the past few decades. This decline is attributed to several factors, including reductions in smoking rates, improvements in early detection, and advancements in cancer treatments.

Long-term Declines

From 1991 to 2018, the cancer death rate fell continuously, resulting in a total decline of 31%, which translates to 3.2 million fewer cancer deaths than would have occurred if peak rates had persisted.
The overall cancer death rate dropped by 27% from 1991 to 2016, resulting in approximately 2,629,200 fewer cancer deaths.
From 1991 to 2010, the combined cancer death rate declined by 20%, avoiding approximately 1,340,400 cancer deaths.

Factors Contributing to Decline

Advances in Treatment

Significant progress in cancer treatment has contributed to the decline in mortality rates. For instance, rapid declines in mortality for leukemia, melanoma, and kidney cancer have been observed due to advancements in treatment, despite stable or increasing incidence rates.

Early Detection and Screening

Improvements in early detection and screening have also played a crucial role. For example, the incidence of cervical cancer dropped by 65% from 2012 to 2019 among women in their early 20s, the first cohort to receive the human papillomavirus vaccine.

Socioeconomic and Racial Disparities

While overall mortality rates have declined, disparities persist. Socioeconomic inequalities are widening, with the most notable gaps for the most preventable cancers. Mortality rates in the poorest counties were significantly higher compared to the most affluent counties.

Conclusion

Cancer continues to be a leading cause of death, with over 600,000 deaths annually in the United States alone. However, the consistent decline in mortality rates over the past few decades highlights the impact of advancements in treatment, early detection, and public health interventions. Continued efforts to address disparities and improve cancer control strategies are essential to further reduce the burden of cancer.