Record 2 Million New Cancer Cases Expected in the U.S. by 2024, American Cancer Society Reports
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has released a report projecting a record 2 million new cancer cases in the United States by 2024. The report, titled “Cancer statistics, 2024,” also predicts that six out of the top 10 cancers will see an increase in incidences. While cancer mortality rates have been declining, the progress is threatened by the rise in some of the most common cancers.
According to the ACS, there were an estimated 1,958,310 new cancer cases and 609,820 cancer deaths in 2023. These figures are yet to be finalized. However, the projections for 2024 indicate that there will be 2,001,140 new cancer cases and 611,720 cancer deaths in the U.S. The aging population is a significant factor contributing to these trends, as cancer is more prevalent among older individuals.
Interestingly, the report suggests that the proportion of people over the age of 65 getting cancer will decrease in 2024. However, there will be an increase in cancer diagnoses among adults aged between 50 and 64. This shift in demographics is due to a decrease in cancer incidences among older adults, particularly prostate and smoking-related cancers among men. It is important to note that this change does not indicate an increased incidence rate but rather a redistribution of cases by age.
While lung cancer rates are decreasing among seniors, they remain the deadliest type of cancer across all age groups. In 2024, it is projected that 81 percent of the 125,070 lung cancer deaths will be directly linked to cigarette smoking. Additionally, cancer cases are rising among individuals under 50, making up a larger share of cancer incidents. Colon cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death among young men and the second-leading cause among young women.
The report acknowledges that the increase in cancer incidences may be influenced by detection bias. The availability of screenings and advancements in cancer-detecting technology have led to more cases being identified. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on cancer care and prevention. Cancer screenings dropped dramatically in 2020, with an estimated 9.4 million tests being missed. Oncologists are concerned that this interruption in screenings may result in more late-stage cancer diagnoses.
The effects of the pandemic on cancer mortality are yet to be fully understood. However, it is well-established that communities of color have been disproportionately affected. A national survey conducted in 2022 revealed that Black and Latino participants experienced higher rates of delays in testing and screenings due to the pandemic.
Despite these challenges, there has been significant progress in reducing cancer mortality rates since 1991. Mortality rates have dropped by 33 percent, thanks to reductions in smoking, improvements in disease management, and increased screenings. However, there is still work to be done, as early detection methods are only available for select cancer sites such as breast, cervix, colorectal, prostate, and now lung cancer.
Access to screenings and preventive services remains a crucial issue. With an estimated 25.6 million uninsured nonelderly individuals in the U.S., many people are unable to access potentially life-saving tests. It is essential to address these disparities to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities for early detection and treatment.
In conclusion, the ACS report highlights the projected increase in cancer cases in the U.S. by 2024, with certain cancers seeing a rise in incidences. While progress has been made in reducing cancer mortality rates, challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and disparities in access to screenings persist. It is crucial to continue efforts in prevention, early detection, and improving healthcare access to combat the impact of cancer on individuals and communities.
