Cancer Facts & Figures 2021

Cancer Facts & Figures 2021 is an educational companion for Cancer Statistics 2021, a scientific paper published in the American Cancer Society journal, CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. The Facts & Figures annual report provides:

• Estimated numbers of new cancer cases and deaths in 2021 (In 2021, there will be an estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed and 608,570 cancer deaths in the United States.)
• Current cancer incidence, mortality, and survival statistics
• Information on cancer symptoms, risk factors, early detection, and treatment

(Please note: The projected numbers of new cancer cases and deaths in 2021 should not be compared with previous years to track cancer trends because they are model-based and vary from year to year for reasons other than changes in cancer occurrence. Age-standardized incidence and death rates should be used to measure cancer trends.) 

2021 Special Section: COVID-19 and Cancer

This year's special section focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with cancer, cancer surveillance capabilities, and the overall American health system. This section is intended to inform any person (which may include policy makers, researchers, clinicians, cancer control advocates, patients, and/or caregivers) with interest in the long-term consequences of the pandemic on cancer health issues.

Recommendations to prevent viral spread as well as current knowledge of COVID-19 risk within cancer patients are described in detail. It is anticipated that decreased resources and access to care due to the pandemic will make it more difficult for cancer diagnosis and treatment, resulting in lower incidence, higher mortality, and decreased survival in the future. 

2021 Supplemental Data

This supplemental data set can be used as a resource for cancer control planning at the state level, as well as to address questions from the media or American Cancer Society (ACS) constituents. ACS Regions are encouraged to share this information with staff and volunteers, and to use it with state and local officials, reporters, and other public health and advocacy groups in local communities.

The estimated numbers of new cancer cases and deaths by state and the lifetime probabilities of developing or dying from cancer are also available in an interactive format from the Cancer Statistics Center.

• Estimated New Cases for the Four Major Cancers by Sex & Age Group, 2021 (PDF)
• Estimated Deaths for the Four Major Cancers by Sex & Age Group, 2021 (PDF)
• Estimated New Cases & Deaths by State for 21 Cancer Sites, 2021 (PDF)
• Lifetime Probability of Developing & Dying from Cancer for 23 Sites, 2015-2017 (PDF)

Most Requested Tables and Figures

The most requested tables and figures from Cancer Facts & Figures 2021 have been assembled in an electronic format (PDF) to make it easy for you to use them. Please note that all graphic material should credit the "American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 2021.”

• Trends in Age-adjusted Cancer Death Rates by Site, Males, US, 1930-2018 (PDF)
• Trends in Age-adjusted Cancer Death Rates by Site, Females, US, 1930-2018 (PDF)
• Estimated Number of New Cancer Cases and Deaths by Sex, US, 2021 (PDF)
• Estimated Number of New Cases for Selected Cancers by State, US, 2021 (PDF)
• Estimated Number of Deaths for Selected Cancers by State, US, 2021 (PDF)
• Leading Sites of New Cancer Cases and Deaths - 2021 Estimates (PDF)
• Probability of Developing Invasive Cancer During Selected Age Intervals by Sex, US, 2015-2017 (PDF)
• Incidence and Mortality Rates for Selected Cancers by Race and Ethnicity, US, 2013-2018 (PDF)

Cancer Statistics 2021 Slide Presentation

Use the button to download a slide presentation of an overview of current cancer statistics in the US.