Cancer Fast Facts

1. Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. There are over 100 types of cancer, and any part of the body can be affected.
2. The most common cancers diagnosed in men are prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers. For women, the 3 most common cancers are breast, lung, and colorectal.
3. In 2020, there will be an estimated 1.8 million new cancer cases diagnosed and 606,520 cancer deaths in the United States.
4. 80% of all cancers in the United States are diagnosed in people 55 years of age or older.
5. Childhood cancers account for 1 percent of all new cancer diagnoses. In 2018, about 15,590 children and teens ages (ages 0-19) were diagnosed with cancer. Although uncommon, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children.
6. About 67% of Americans diagnosed with cancer survive five or more years after their diagnoses.
7. In 2016, there were an estimated 15.5 million cancer survivors in the US. The number of cancer survivors is expected to increase to 20.3 million by 2026.
8. Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally -- it accounts for 1 in 6 deaths around the world.
9. Globally, approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries.
10. 30-50% of cancer cases are preventable. The following behaviors can help reduce the risk of cancer: maintaining a healthy body mass index, eating high amounts of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco use, and limiting alcohol use.