What patients and caregivers need to know about cancer, coronavirus, and COVID-19.

Close Critical Alert Banner
Skip to Content
Cancer Helpline
Contact Phone Image800.227.2345
Live Chat ImageContact Us
Email ImageSign Up For Email
American Cancer Society
  • Español
  • More Languages
Give In Honor & Memorial Donate ImageDonate
Search
Give In Honor & Memorial
Sign Up Email ImageSign Up For Email
  • Cancer A-Z

    Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. From basic information about cancer and its causes to in-depth information on specific cancer types – including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options – you’ll find it here.

    • Explore Cancer A-Z
    • Breast Cancer
    • Colon and Rectal Cancer
    • Lung Cancer
    • Prostate Cancer
    • Skin Cancer
    • All Cancer Types

    More Topics

    • Cancer Basics
    • What Causes Cancer
    • Cancer Glossary
    • Cancer Information Videos

    INSIGHTS AND INSPIRATION

    • Stories of Hope
    • ACS Bookstore
    • Cancer News
    • For Professionals
  • Stay Healthy

    You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. It’s also important to follow recommended screening guidelines, which can help detect certain cancers early.

    • Explore Stay Healthy
    • Stay Away From Tobacco
    • Be Safe in the Sun
    • Eat Healthy & Get Active
    • Protect Against HPV
    • Find Cancer Early
    • Cancer Screening Guidelines

    More Topics

    • Learn About Carcinogens
    • Genetics & Cancer
    • Alcohol Use & Cancer
    • Cancer Screening Videos
    • Tools & Calculators

    Cancer Prevention Tools

    • Calorie Counter
    • Skin Cancer Images
    • Nutrition Quiz
    • Cancer Prevention News
  • Treatment & Support

    Whether you want to learn about treatment options, get advice on coping with side effects, or have questions about health insurance, we’re here to help. We can even find you a free ride to treatment or a free place to stay when treatment is far from home.

    • Explore Treatment & Support
    • Understanding Your Diagnosis
    • Finding & Paying for Treatment
    • Treatment & Side Effects
    • Children & Cancer
    • For Caregivers & Family
    • Nearing the End of Life

    More Topics

    • When Natural Disasters Strike
    • During & After Treatment
    • Support In Your Area
    • Clinical Trials
    • Understanding Recurrence

    NAVIGATING TREATMENT

    • Personal Health Manager
    • Caregiver Resource Guide
    • Insurance Resources
    • Survivorship Care Plans
  • News

    Top Story

    Illustration showing a microscopic view of the coronavirus Common Questions About the COVID-19 Outbreak

    Our team of expert journalists brings you all angles of the cancer story – from breaking news and survivor stories to in-depth insights into cutting-edge research.

    • Explore News
    • Latest News
    • Cancer Updates
    • Living Well
    • ACS Research
    • Stories of Hope
    • Special Coverage

    More Cancer News

    • Cancer Facts and Statistics
    • Dr. Len's Blog
    • ACS Press Room

    Top Story

    Illustration showing a microscopic view of the coronavirus Common Questions About the COVID-19 Outbreak
  • Our Research

    What does it take to outsmart cancer? Research. We’ve invested more than $4.9 billion in cancer research since 1946, all to find more – and better – treatments, uncover factors that may cause cancer, and improve cancer patients’ quality of life.

    • Explore Our Research
    • Research News
    • Facts & Figures Publications
    • Cancer Statistics Center

    Life Saving Research

    • Research We Conduct
    • Research We Fund
    • Current Research Investments
    • Our Research Team
    • Apply For a Grant

    Explore Our Research

    • Tobacco Atlas
    • Cancer Atlas
    • Cancer Infographics
    • What Will It Take to End Cancer?
  • Get Involved

    We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers and donors. Together, we’re making a difference – and you can, too. Become a volunteer, make a tax-deductible donation, or participate in a fundraising event to help us save lives.

    • Explore Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Fundraise
    • Sign Up for Email

    MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

    • Plan a Gift
    • Shop to Save Lives
    • Celebrate a Loved One
    • Be An Advocate

    Our Passion

    • Volunteer to Help
    • ACS in Your Community
    • Cancer News
    • More Ways to Give
  • Our Partners

    Partners Spotlight

    • CVS Health logo
      learn more

      The NFL Defender Health Quiz

    • CVS Health logo
      learn more

      Pampered Chef Partnership

    • CVS Health logo
      learn more

      Join GrowNation

    The American Cancer Society couldn’t do what we do without the support of our partners. Learn more about these partnerships and how you too can join us in our mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.

    • Explore Our Partners
    • Become a Partner
    • Partner Promotions
    • Employee Engagement

    Partners Against Cancer

    • Corporate Partners
    • CEO's Against Cancer
    • Sports Alliances
    • Brand Ambassadors
    • Community Partners

    Partners Spotlight

    • CVS Health logo
      learn more

      The NFL Defender Health Quiz

    • CVS Health logo
      learn more

      Pampered Chef Partnership

    • CVS Health logo
      learn more

      Join GrowNation

  • About Us

    At the American Cancer Society, we’re on a mission to free the world from cancer. Until we do, we’ll be funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention. All so you can live longer — and better.

    • Explore About Us
    • Who We Are
    • What We Do
    • Where We Help
    • Sign Up for Email

    GET TO KNOW US

    • Our History
    • Global Cancer Programs
    • Financials & Governance
    • Multicultural Communities

    MAKING A DIFFERENCE

    • Careers at ACS
    • Our Leadership
    • For the Media
Cancer Helpline
800.227.2345
Contact Us
Español More Languages
Search
|
  • Our Research

Cancer Facts and Statistics

The American Cancer Society projects the numbers of new cancer cases and deaths expected each year in order to estimate the contemporary cancer burden, because cancer incidence and mortality data lag three to four years behind the current year. In addition, the regularly updated Facts & Figures publications present the most current trends in cancer occurrence and survival, as well as information on symptoms, prevention, early detection and treatment.

Cancer Facts & Figures

ACS has published Cancer Facts & Figures annually since 1951. This annual report provides the most current information about cancer. A unique feature of these publications is their projections of the number of cancer cases and deaths expected in each state and in the nation in the current year. These widely cited projections serve as a basis for research, but are also readily understood by the public. Each edition of Cancer Facts & Figures includes a Special Section of in-depth focus on a specific cancer or group of cancers.

  • Current Cancer Facts & Figures
  • Current Statistics Article
  • All Cancer Facts & Figures

Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures

Much of the suffering and death from cancer could be prevented by more systematic efforts to reduce tobacco use, improve diet and physical activity, and expand the use of established screening tests. This publication provides recent prevalence estimates and trends for major cancer risk factors including tobacco use, excess body weight, diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, ultraviolet radiation exposure, and infectious agents, as well as human papillomavirus and hepatitis B virus vaccination uptake and screening test use for breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancers in US adults. Occupational and environmental risk factors are also discussed.

  • Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures 2020 (tables & figures only) (PDF)
  • Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures 2019-2020 (PDF)
  • SLIDE SET: Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures 2020 (PPT)
  • All Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures
Read More

Interactive Cancer Statistics Center

Visit the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Statistics Center website to explore, interact with, and share cancer statistics. The website provides detailed statistics on a range of topics including:

  • Estimated new cancer cases and deaths by sex, state, and cancer type in the current year
  • Current cancer incidence, mortality, and survival rates and trends for individual cancer sites
  • Risk factors (e.g., obesity, cigarette smoking) and screening rates by state

The website can be used to:

  • View and download maps, graphs, and charts
  • Create custom downloadable maps, graphs, and charts
  • Export data to Excel
  • Share specific statistics that are important to readers

Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures

In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women. However, CRC is also one of the most preventable common cancers. This publication provides information about colorectal cancer, including statistics on cancer occurrence, as well as information about risk factors, prevention, early detection, and treatment.

  • Current Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures (PDF)
  • All Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures

Breast Cancer Facts & Figures

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among US women and is the second leading cause of death among women after lung cancer. This publication provides statistics about the occurrence of breast cancer, as well as information about risk factors, prevention, early detection, and treatment.

  • Current Breast Cancer Facts & Figures (PDF)
  • All Breast Cancer Facts & Figures

Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanics/Latinos

About 18% of the US population identified as Hispanic or Latino in 2016—the largest US minority group. This publication, also available in Spanish, provides estimated numbers of new cancer cases and deaths for Hispanics/Latinos, as well as the most recent statistics on cancer occurrence and information on cancer risk factors (e.g., tobacco use, obesity, and alcohol consumption) and the use of cancer screening tests. 

  • Current Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanics/Latinos (PDF)
  • All Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanics/Latinos
  • Todos Datos y Estadísticas sobre el Cáncer entre los Hispanos/Latinos

Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans

African Americans have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial/ethnic group in the US for most cancers. This publication provides the estimated numbers of new cancer cases and deaths for African Americans, as well as the most recent statistics on cancer occurrence and information on cancer risk factors (e.g., tobacco use, obesity, and physical inactivity) and the use of cancer screening tests.

  • Current Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans (PDF)
  • All Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans

Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts & Figures

The number of Americans with a history of cancer is growing due to the aging and growth of the population, as well as improving survival rates. This comprehensive survivorship report, a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, provides current and projected cancer prevalence estimates for the United States, as well as data from the National Cancer Data Base on treatment patterns, and information on the common effects of cancer and its treatment.

  • Current Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts & Figures (PDF)
  • All Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts & Figures

Global Cancer Facts & Figures

This publication, now in its fourth edition, provides an overview of the international cancer burden, including the estimated numbers of new cancer cases and deaths worldwide and by level of human development index, as well as detailed information on select cancer sites.

  • Current Global Cancer Facts & Figures (PDF)
  • All Global Cancer Facts & Figures

The Cancer Atlas

The Cancer Atlas, created by The American Cancer Society, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and the Union for International Cancer Control, is a one-stop shop for all of the best global cancer data available and offers in-depth insights into the cancer burden, major risk factors, and ways leaders worldwide can take action.

  • Visit the Cancer Atlas website to map, sort, compare, and export global cancer data

Global Burden of Cancer in Women

As a part of a larger partnership with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, the American Cancer Society released a report at the World Cancer Congress focusing on the increasing impact of cancer in low- and middle-income countries, both on women’s health and their economic participation. The report emphasizes that while the societal and economic costs of cancer are considerable and even catastrophic, this burden of disease, loss of life, and economic hardship is not inevitable.

  • Global Burden of Cancer in Women (PDF)

More In Our Research Programs

  • Research We Conduct
  • Research We Fund
  • Cancer Facts and Statistics
  • ACS Researchers
  • Currently Funded Cancer Research
  • Apply for a Grant
  • Infographics Gallery
BackTo Top

Imagine a world free from cancer. Help make it a reality.

DONATE

Cancer Information

  • Cancer Prevention & Detection
  • Cancer Basics
  • Signs & Symptoms of Cancer
  • Treatments & Side Effects
  • Cancer Facts & Statistics
  • News and Stories
  • Glossary
  • For Health Care Professionals

Programs & Services

  • Breast Cancer Support
  • TLC Hair Loss & Mastectomy Products
  • Hope Lodge® Lodging
  • Rides To Treatment
  • Online Support Communities

ACS FUNDRAISERS

  • Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks
  • Relay For Life Events
  • American Cancer Society on Campus
  • Coaches vs. Cancer
  • Galas, Balls & Parties
  • Ways to Give
  • Memorial Giving
  • Planned Giving
  • Leadership Giving
  • Donate a Car

About ACS

  • Contact Us
  • Local Offices
  • Employment
  • Information for Suppliers
  • Report Fraud or Abuse
  • Global Health
  • Cancer Action Network
  • Sign Up for Email
  • Policies
  • Our Volunteers

More ACS Sites

  • Bookstore
  • Cancer Atlas
  • Cancer Statistics Center
  • Press Room
  • The NFL Defender Health Quiz
  • Volunteer Community

Follow Us

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Cancer Information, Answers, and Hope. Available Every Minute of Every Day.

800.227.2345

Live Chat

Follow Us

Twitter Facebook Instagram
  • help
  • site map
  • privacy policy
  • accessibility
  • terms of use
  • state fundraising notices
  • Site Comments

© 2021 American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Tax ID Number: 13-1788491. Cancer.org is provided courtesy of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family.

*
Image of
Previous Next
Close

Select A Hope Lodge