What percentage of Americans have been diagnosed with cancer?

Nearly 10% of US adults, or 9.7 percent, have reported a cancer diagnosis at least once in their lifetime, according to recent data.

Why are there more cancer survivors in the US?

An aging population and vastly improved survival rates due to better treatments and earlier detection have led to more cancer survivors than ever before.

Are cancer rates increasing among young adults?

Yes, there's a concerning uptick in certain cancers like breast and colon cancer among adults under 50, with a higher fatality rate often due to later diagnosis.

Home / Health / Cancer Diagnoses Hit Record High in US

Cancer Diagnoses Hit Record High in US

24 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Nearly 10% of Americans now report a lifetime cancer diagnosis.
Cancer survival rates have vastly improved, increasing survivor numbers.
Younger adults show a concerning rise in certain cancer diagnoses.

A recent survey indicates that 9.7% of US adults have received a cancer diagnosis, marking a historical high. This increase is not solely due to rising cancer incidence but also to demographic shifts, including a larger older population, and remarkable advancements in treatment and screening. Survival rates have dramatically improved, with cancer mortality declining significantly since 1991. This means more individuals are living longer after diagnosis, contributing to a growing number of cancer survivors who often require long-term medical monitoring. However, a troubling trend of increasing cancer diagnoses among younger adults, particularly for cancers like breast and colon, has emerged. These younger patients often face higher fatality rates due to later-stage diagnoses, prompting further research into potential causes like lifestyle and diet.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.