Hope and Progress: Reflecting on the 2026 American Cancer Society Report

A cancer diagnosis is a “before and after” moment. It is a life-altering experience that reshapes everything—from the smallest daily routines to our deepest perspectives on what matters. When you or a loved one receives that cruel news, the world feels different because it is different.

I know this journey personally. I am – Mandy Lender – a survivor of head and neck cancer, thanks to successful surgery. My sister, Minna Rozen is also a survivor.  She faced breast cancer with courage, underwent surgery and radiation therapy, and is now clear. However, I also know the weight of losing a loved one. My late wife fought colon cancer with everything she had, and despite the very best efforts of modern medicine, she passed away.

These experiences have taught me one undeniable truth:

Our health is our greatest wealth. It is the foundation for everything else we do.

Historic Milestone in 2026

While the fight against cancer remains difficult, the latest data from the American Cancer Society (ACS), released on January 13, 2026, offers us a reason for hope. For the first time we have reached a major milestone in oncology.

Key Takeaways from the 2026 Report

• A New Survival Standard: For the first time, the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined has reached 70%. To put that in perspective, in the mid-1970s, that number was only 50%. Today, seven out of every ten people diagnosed with cancer will celebrate at least five more years of life—and many will go on to live decades more.

• Progress in Difficult Areas: Medicine and Science are seeing remarkable gains in cancers that were once considered nearly untreatable:
  • Myeloma survival has doubled (from 32% to 62%).
  • Lung cancer survival has nearly doubled (from 15% to 28%).
  • Liver cancer survival has tripled (from 7% to 22%).

• The Power of Early Detection: While survival rates are up, the number of new diagnoses is also rising. In 2026, an estimated 2.1 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer. This increase—seen in breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers—reminds us that regular screenings and staying proactive about our health are more important than ever.

• Rising Incidence: Despite declining death rates, the total number of new cancer cases continues to rise. In 2026, an estimated 2,114,850 new cancer diagnoses are expected in the U.S. (~5,800 per day). Incidence is increasing for 6 of the top 10 cancers, including breast, prostate, liver (women), melanoma (women), and pancreatic cancer.

• Leading Cause of Death: An estimated 626,140 people are expected to die from cancer in 2026. Lung cancer remains the deadliest, projected to cause more deaths than colorectal and pancreatic cancers combined.

• Colorectal Cancer Trends: Colorectal cancer continues to shift toward younger populations. It is now the leading cause of cancer death in men under age 50 and the second leading cause in women under 50.

• Cancer Prevention: The ACS estimates that 40% of all newly diagnosed cancers in adults—about 850,000 cases—are potentially avoidable through lifestyle changes related to tobacco use, excess body weight, and alcohol consumption, as well as regular screening.

Five Most Common Cancers in the U.S. (2026 Estimates)

Based on the estimated number of new cases for 2026, the five most common cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) are:

1. Prostate (Approx. 333,830 cases)
2. Breast (Female) (Approx. 316,000–320,000 cases)
3. Lung and Bronchus (Approx. 230,000 cases)
4. Colon and Rectum (Approx. 158,850 cases)
5. Melanoma of the Skin (Approx. 105,000 cases)

Looking Forward:

Despite these victories, the journey isn’t over. Lung cancer remains a significant challenge, causing more deaths than colorectal and pancreatic cancers combined. We acknowledge the 626,140 families who will face the loss of a loved one this year, and we let their stories fuel the urgency for continued research and better care.

The 2026 report tells a story of a world in transition. We are moving away from a time of fear and toward a time of manageable, treatable, and curable outcomes. As we celebrate the 70% survival milestone, let us hold onto hope and continue to cherish the wealth that is our health.

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You can find the full report here:

Cancer Facts & Figures 2026 (.pdf) :
https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2026/2026-cancer-facts-and-figures.pdf

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Tags: #Cancer #cancercure, #AmericanCancerSociety #coloncancer # breastcancer