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Cancer Statistics, 2021.

Literature Information

DOI10.3322/caac.21654
PMID33433946
JournalCA: a cancer journal for clinicians
Impact Factor232.4
JCR QuartileQ1
Publication Year2021
Times Cited9449
Keywordscancer cases, cancer statistics, death rates, incidence, mortality
Literature TypeJournal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
ISSN0007-9235
Pages7-33
Issue71(1)
AuthorsRebecca L Siegel, Kimberly D Miller, Hannah E Fuchs, Ahmedin Jemal

TL;DR

The American Cancer Society projects 1,898,160 new cancer cases and 608,570 deaths in the U.S. for 2021, with a notable 31% decline in cancer mortality since its peak in 1991, largely due to reduced smoking rates and advancements in early detection and treatment. While mortality rates for prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers have slowed, lung cancer mortality has significantly accelerated in decline, reflecting improved survival rates particularly for nonsmall cell lung cancer, highlighting the impact of enhanced treatment strategies on overall cancer outcomes.

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cancer cases · cancer statistics · death rates · incidence · mortality

Abstract

Each year, the American Cancer Society estimates the numbers of new cancer cases and deaths in the United States and compiles the most recent data on population-based cancer occurrence. Incidence data (through 2017) were collected by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; the National Program of Cancer Registries; and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries. Mortality data (through 2018) were collected by the National Center for Health Statistics. In 2021, 1,898,160 new cancer cases and 608,570 cancer deaths are projected to occur in the United States. After increasing for most of the 20th century, the cancer death rate has fallen continuously from its peak in 1991 through 2018, for a total decline of 31%, because of reductions in smoking and improvements in early detection and treatment. This translates to 3.2 million fewer cancer deaths than would have occurred if peak rates had persisted. Long-term declines in mortality for the 4 leading cancers have halted for prostate cancer and slowed for breast and colorectal cancers, but accelerated for lung cancer, which accounted for almost one-half of the total mortality decline from 2014 to 2018. The pace of the annual decline in lung cancer mortality doubled from 3.1% during 2009 through 2013 to 5.5% during 2014 through 2018 in men, from 1.8% to 4.4% in women, and from 2.4% to 5% overall. This trend coincides with steady declines in incidence (2.2%-2.3%) but rapid gains in survival specifically for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For example, NSCLC 2-year relative survival increased from 34% for persons diagnosed during 2009 through 2010 to 42% during 2015 through 2016, including absolute increases of 5% to 6% for every stage of diagnosis; survival for small cell lung cancer remained at 14% to 15%. Improved treatment accelerated progress against lung cancer and drove a record drop in overall cancer mortality, despite slowing momentum for other common cancers.

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Primary Questions Addressed

  1. What factors have contributed to the decline in cancer mortality rates since 1991?
  2. How do cancer incidence and mortality trends differ among various demographics in the United States?
  3. What advancements in treatment have specifically impacted the survival rates of lung cancer patients?
  4. How do the projected cancer statistics for 2021 compare to those of previous years, particularly in terms of specific cancer types?
  5. What role does early detection play in improving outcomes for patients diagnosed with cancer, especially lung cancer?

Key Findings

1. Research Background and Purpose

The annual report by the American Cancer Society aims to provide comprehensive estimates of new cancer cases and deaths in the United States. The report synthesizes the most recent and relevant data on cancer incidence and mortality, with the intent of informing healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public about the current landscape of cancer epidemiology. This year's statistics are particularly significant as they reflect trends in cancer mortality and incidence over the past several decades and highlight the progress made in cancer control efforts.

2. Main Methods and Findings

Data for cancer incidence were collected through various national programs, including the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, the National Program of Cancer Registries, and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, covering up to 2017. Mortality data were sourced from the National Center for Health Statistics and extend through 2018. The report projects that in 2021, there will be 1,898,160 new cancer cases and 608,570 cancer deaths in the United States. Notably, cancer death rates have seen a significant decline of 31% since peaking in 1991, largely attributed to reductions in smoking prevalence and advancements in early detection and treatment methodologies. While overall mortality for the four leading cancers has stagnated or slowed, lung cancer has shown remarkable improvement, accounting for nearly half of the total decline in cancer mortality from 2014 to 2018. Specifically, lung cancer mortality rates have accelerated their decline, with marked improvements in survival rates for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

3. Core Conclusions

The findings indicate a transformative shift in cancer mortality trends, particularly concerning lung cancer, which has benefited from enhanced treatment options leading to improved survival rates. The report underscores that while overall cancer mortality is decreasing, the progress is uneven across different cancer types. The substantial decrease in lung cancer mortality reflects effective public health interventions and advances in medical technology, emphasizing the need for continued focus on improving outcomes for all cancer types, particularly those where mortality rates are not declining.

4. Research Significance and Impact

This report serves as a crucial resource for understanding the current state of cancer in the U.S. and highlights the effectiveness of public health measures in combating cancer. The significant decline in cancer mortality, particularly in lung cancer, illustrates the potential for continued advancements in treatment and prevention strategies. The findings have profound implications for healthcare policy, resource allocation, and future cancer research, advocating for sustained efforts in early detection and innovative treatments to build on the progress made. The data presented is essential for guiding future research initiatives and public health campaigns aimed at reducing cancer incidence and mortality further.

Literatures Citing This Work

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  2. Volumetric-Modulated Arc Radiotherapy with Daily Image-Guidance Carries Better Toxicity Profile for Higher Risk Prostate Cancer. - Ahmad I Ghanem;Amr A Elsaid;Mohamed A Elshaikh;Gehan A Khedr - Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP (2021)
  3. Targeting and Reprograming Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and the Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer. - Yoshiaki Sunami;Viktoria Böker;Jörg Kleeff - Cancers (2021)
  4. The incidence of prostate cancer is increased in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: Results from the national insurance claim data 2007-2014. - Eun Jung Lee;Jeffrey D Suh;Jae Hoon Cho - Medicine (2021)
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