Why cancer survival rates are higher than ever before

“You have cancer.” It’s something you wish to never hear. But amidst the fear and uncertainty, there’s a glimmer of hope: Seven in 10 people with cancer in the U.S. now survive at least five years after their diagnosis, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s a milestone that reflects progress in cancer prevention, detection and treatment.

In the 1970s, only about half of people with cancer lived five years or longer after diagnosis. By the mid-90s, that number reached 63%. And data collected between 2015 and 2021 shows the overall cancer survival rate has hit 70%, the highest level ever recorded.

“We’re seeing cancers that were once considered a death sentence become manageable, long-term conditions,” says Dr. Maria Georgen, a hematologist and oncologist at Aurora Health Care. “Survival is no longer the exception. It’s increasingly the expectation.”

What factors are improving cancer survival rates?

• Earlier cancer detection: Routine screenings are helping doctors find cancers at more treatable stages – often before symptoms begin.
• Declining smoking rates: Less tobacco use is resulting in less lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.
• New treatments options: Targeted therapy attacks cancer cells directly, limiting their ability to replicate. Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.

Dr. Georgen notes that innovative treatments aren’t just extending lives, they’re improving a person with cancer’s quality of life too.

Lesser-known ways to reduce risk 

Eating a varied and healthy diet, staying active, managing your weight and avoiding tobacco are commonly known to reduce your risk of cancer.

These less obvious lifestyle changes can also help prevent cancer:

• Prioritize consistent sleep: Chronic sleep disruption may affect hormones and immune function. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep.
• Pay attention to subtle, ongoing changes: Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, bowel changes or lingering coughs should be checked – even if they seem minor.
• Focus on building strength: Try strength training as exercise to help regulate inflammation and insulin, which are both linked to cancer risk.
• Reconsider your second drink: Even moderate alcohol consumption can increase the risk of some cancers, but drinking less can make a difference over time.
• Keep screenings up to date: Many early-stage cancers don’t cause symptoms. Preventive screenings remain one of the best tools for early detection.

While it’s true not everyone benefits equally from advances in treatment, millions of lives have already been saved due to better prevention, earlier diagnoses and more effective treatments.

“Medicine has made invaluable progress in the fight against cancer,” says Dr. Georgen. “When you combine treatment with a history of healthy lifestyle choices, it’s only going to help your odds.”

Take a free quiz to find out your breast, colon or lung cancer risk.