Record 2 Million New Cancer Cases Projected in the U.S. by 2024, American Cancer Society Reports
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has released its latest report, “Cancer statistics, 2024,” projecting a record 2 million new cancer cases in the United States by 2024. This alarming projection highlights an increase in incidences of six out of the top 10 cancers. While cancer mortality rates have been declining in recent years, the progress is being threatened by the rise in certain types of cancers.
According to the ACS, there will be an estimated 2,001,140 new cancer cases and 611,720 cancer deaths in the U.S. in 2024. These figures represent a significant increase from the previous year’s estimates of 1,958,310 new cancer cases and 609,820 cancer deaths. However, it is important to note that these numbers are yet to be finalized.
Ahmedin Jemal, the ACS senior vice president of surveillance and health equity science, attributes the rising cancer rates to the growing and aging population in the country. As life expectancy continues to increase, cancer becomes more prevalent among older individuals. However, the report also indicates a shift in demographics, with a decrease in cancer incidences among older adults and an increase among middle-aged adults.
Jemal clarifies that this shift is not due to an increased incidence rate but rather a change in the distribution of cases by age. The proportion of people over 65 getting cancer is expected to decrease, while the proportion of adults aged between 50 and 64 diagnosed with cancer is projected to increase from 25 to 30 percent.
The report highlights that lung cancer remains 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. However, there is some positive news as lung cancer rates are decreasing among seniors, contributing to a decrease in their proportion of cancer cases.
On the other hand, cancer cases are rising among people 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 of cancer death for young women.
The ACS acknowledges that detection bias may play a role in the rising cancer incidences, with increased screenings and advancements in cancer-detecting technology. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer screenings is yet to be fully understood. The National Cancer Institute has reported a significant drop in cancer screenings in 2020, potentially leading to more late-stage cancer diagnoses.
Jemal assures that the finalization of the 2021 data on cancer screenings will provide a clearer picture of how the pandemic affected cancer care and prevention. While there seems to have been a rebound in screenings after 2021, it is unlikely to compensate for the missed screenings during the early stages of the pandemic.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on communities of color. Black and Latino participants experienced higher rates of modifications in their cancer care, including delays in testing and screenings, due to the pandemic. This highlights the preexisting health disparities that were magnified by COVID-19.
Despite these challenges, there has been significant progress in reducing cancer mortality rates since 1991. As of 2021, cancer mortality has dropped by 33 percent. This decline can be attributed to reductions in smoking, improvements in disease management, and increased screenings. However, Jemal emphasizes that there is still work to be done, especially in developing early detection methods for a majority of cancers.
While screenings and preventive services have proven effective in detecting certain types of cancers, access to these resources remains a concern. With an estimated 25.6 million uninsured nonelderly individuals in the U.S. in 2022, many people are unable to access potentially life-saving tests.
The ACS report serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against cancer and the need for continued efforts in prevention, early detection, and equitable access to healthcare services.
