American Cancer Society Reports 2024 Facts & Figures

Over the past three decades, a steady decline in cancer mortality, saving around 4 million lives in the U.S., is attributed to significant victories in smoking cessation, early cancer detection, and treatment advancements. However, in 2024, the United States is facing an alarming rise in cancer incidence, set to surpass 2 million new cases. Prostate, breast, endometrial, pancreatic, kidney, and melanoma cancers contribute to this surge, jeopardizing the long-standing decline in cancer mortality.

Urgent attention is required for early detection, especially in the face of increasing diagnoses for six common cancers, including prostate cancer, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and early intervention. Almost 300,000 new cases are expected this year, and prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men (following lung & bronchus cancer).

The disparities in cancer outcomes among racial and ethnic groups persist, with Black and American Indian populations facing higher mortality rates. The LGBTQ+ community also experiences potential disparities in cancer incidence and outcomes, though there is limited data available to perform comprehensive analysis.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of cancer, it is essential to address these disparities, enhance data collection, and advocate for equitable access to prevention, early detection, and treatment resources. The ACS Annual Facts & Figures provides critical insight into the medical landscape and the impact prostate cancer will have on Americans throughout the upcoming year. 

Read the full report here.

These estimated numbers of new cancer cases and deaths for this year are from “Cancer Statistics, 2024,” published in the American Cancer Society’s flagship journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, in its consumer-friendly companion report, Cancer Facts & Figures 2024, and on the interactive website, the Cancer Statistics Center. These publications are the most widely cited source of cancer statistics in the world. Authors of the study include ACS researchers: Rebecca Siegel, MPH, Angela Giaquinto, MSPH, and Ahmedin Jemal, DVM, PhD.