In a significant public health success, the overall cancer death rate in the United States continues to decline. This is according to the 2025 Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer. But, experts warn that the burden is shifting—towards women, younger generations, and marginalized communities.
The report is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society (ACS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Cancer Institute (NCI), and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR). It found that cancer death rates fell from 2018 to 2022 by an average of 1.7% per year for men and 1.3% for women.
Despite the progress, troubling trends in cancer incidence—particularly among women under 50 and cases tied to obesity—are clouding the picture.
SMOKING-LINKED CANCERS LEAD THE DECLINE
Much of the drop in mortality is credited to a dramatic reduction in lung cancer deaths. This is due to declining smoking rates, advanced screening, and new treatments, particularly for non-small cell lung cancer. Other smoking-related cancers like bladder and larynx cancer also show fewer new cases and deaths.
This progress continued even during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time that strained the healthcare system nationwide.
“Progress has been made in reducing overall cancer mortality, largely driven by sustained declines in lung cancer,” the report states.
WOMEN AND YOUNGER ADULTS FACE A RISING BURDEN
Yet, the success is not universal. While cancer diagnoses plateaued for men, they rose 0.3% annually for women between 2018 and 2022. Women under 50 now face an 82% higher incidence rate than men in the same age group. This figure has increased from 51% in 2002.
“These are women who are often primary caregivers. The shift is concerning,” said Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director at ACS.
Cancers associated with excess body weight—like breast, uterus, pancreas, colon, rectum, kidney, and liver cancers—are climbing in incidence. Public health experts say lifestyle factors, environment, and delayed screenings may all play a role.
PROGRESS COMES WITH PERSISTENT DISPARITIES
There has been a 42% drop in breast cancer deaths since 1989. However, Black women still die from the disease at a rate 40% higher than White women. This gap hasn’t closed in decades.
“Progress against cancer continues to be hampered by striking, wide static disparities for many racial and ethnic groups,” said Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, senior vice president of health equity science at ACS.
He emphasized the urgent need to end discrimination and inequality in cancer care to close the gap and ensure “progress is shared by all.”
PREVENTING CANCER: A MULTI-PRONGED APPROACH
Another national study earlier this year found that from 1975 to 2020, nearly 6 million deaths were prevented through a combination of:
- Prevention (e.g., tobacco control, HPV vaccination)
- Earlydetection (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies)
- Treatment advances (e.g., immunotherapies, targeted drugs)
Experts stress the need to protect access to these services, even during health crises like pandemics.
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS
While fewer Americans are dying from cancer, the incidence of some cancers is rising, including colorectal and prostate cancers. Mortality rates for these cancers are no longer declining as quickly, likely due to more recent upticks in new diagnoses.
The findings make it clear: continued public health investment, equitable care, and health education are more important than ever.
To build on these gains, experts urge stronger efforts in cancer screening and prevention. They also stress the need for equitable access to care—particularly for women, younger adults, and marginalized communities.
