SALT LAKE CITY — The American Cancer Society has released its Cancer Statistics 2024, and the numbers are concerning. For the first time, new cancer diagnoses in the U.S. are expected to top 2 million, which equates to about 5,500 cancer diagnoses a day. This is a significant milestone, and it’s a reminder of the importance of cancer prevention and early detection.
While it’s good news that cancer deaths have been declining, experts are worried that these gains in survival could be lost as more people are being diagnosed with six of the top 10 cancers. What’s even more alarming is that breast cancer and colon cancer are now being diagnosed in younger populations than in the past, with those two cancers becoming the leading causes of death in those under 50, surpassing lung cancer.
Furthermore, the report highlights the concern that cancers related to being overweight and obesity may counteract the progress made in reducing cancer deaths. The risk of developing six of the cancers on the rise is associated with excess body weight, including endometrial, liver, kidney, pancreas, colorectal, and breast cancer.
Challenges and Disparities
It’s not just age and weight that pose challenges when it comes to cancer. Racial disparities in cancer outcomes are also a significant concern. The report notes that Black people have a higher death rate for certain cancers compared to white people, and American Indian and Alaska Native people are also at a higher risk of dying from specific cancers.
Additionally, the LGBTQ+ population may have unique risks of developing cancer, but data gathering on this group is sparse. The lack of data makes it challenging to develop targeted cancer-control efforts for this community.
It’s clear that there are many challenges ahead in the fight against cancer, but with continued research, prevention efforts, and early detection, we can work towards reducing the impact of this disease on individuals and communities.
Despite the decrease in deaths from cancer, it is alarming to see the rising rates among younger adults. This calls for increased awareness, research, and support to combat this concerning trend.
Agree: It’s disheartening to see the rising cancer rates among younger adults despite the positive decrease in deaths. We need to prioritize early detection and invest in research for effective prevention and treatment options.