[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/2026-cancer-statistics\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/2026-cancer-statistics\/","headline":"2026 Cancer Statistics","name":"2026 Cancer Statistics","description":"2026 Cancer Statistics Cancer Death and Diagnosis Statistics for 2026: 2 RCCA Oncologists Provide Insights into the Numbers February 3, 2026 The latest statistics from the American Cancer Society (ACS) detail extraordinary advances in the fight against cancer while underscoring how much more progress is needed, according to two oncologists practicing with Regional Cancer Care […]","datePublished":"2026-02-03","dateModified":"2026-02-04","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/ceastway\/#Person","name":"ceastway","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/ceastway\/","identifier":5,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Regional Cancer Care Associates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","width":506,"height":228}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-1304353355.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/GettyImages-1304353355.jpg","height":1414,"width":2119},"url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/2026-cancer-statistics\/","about":["All Cancers"],"wordCount":1387,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2026 Cancer Statistics\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCancer Death and Diagnosis Statistics for 2026: 2 RCCA Oncologists Provide Insights into the Numbers\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFebruary 3, 2026\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe latest statistics from the American Cancer Society (ACS) detail extraordinary advances in the fight against cancer while underscoring how much more progress is needed, according to two oncologists practicing with Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA).\u201cEach January, the ACS publishes its annual \u2018Cancer Facts & Figures\u2019 report, which provides a wealth of information on recent trends as well as estimates of cancer diagnoses and deaths in the year ahead,\u201d explains Michele Donato, MD, FACP, CPE, MBA, a board-certified medical oncologist at the John Theurer Cancer Center of Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cThere is a great deal that people can do to reduce their risk of developing cancer. Research found that in 2019, roughly 40% of all new cancers and 44% of all cancer deaths in adults aged 30 and older were attributable to lifestyle behaviors that people can change.\u201d\u2028- Michele Donato, MD, FACP, CPE, MBA\u201cThe big news in this year\u2019s report is that, for the first time ever, the five-year survival rate for all cancers combined reached 70%,\u201d Dr. Donato notes, explaining that the statistic is based on people in the U.S. who were diagnosed between 2015 and 2021.1She continues, \u201cFurther, some of the greatest gains in survival were seen in types of cancer that traditionally have been more aggressive and more likely to be fatal. For example, over the course of roughly 30 years, the five-year relative survival rate for multiple myeloma has increased from 32% to 62%, while the rate for liver cancer has risen from 7% to 22%. There also has been important progress against lung cancer, which claims more lives each year than any other form of cancer. From the mid-1990s to 2015-2021, the five-year survival rate almost doubled, going from 15% to 28%,\u201d1 the physician adds.Dr. Donato, who specializes in the treatment of malignant blood disorders such as leukemia and multiple myeloma, adds, \u201cWhile these gains are welcome, they don\u2019t go nearly far enough. No one is satisfied with an overall five-year survival rate of 70%, much less with a rate of 22% for liver cancer or 28% for lung cancer. This is an important milestone worth acknowledging, but it is only a stop along the way as we work to drive these numbers much higher.\u201dEchoing that sentiment, Mohammad Pazooki, MD, says, \u201cThe American Cancer Society estimates that declines in the cancer mortality rate from 1991 through 2023 averted 4.8 million deaths from cancer. That is a wonderful achievement, but the society also estimates that more than 620,000 people in the U.S. will die from cancer this year.1 So, our progress to date is not cause for complacency but rather motivation to redouble our efforts.\u201dA board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist who practices at RCCA\u2019s offices in Manchester and West Hartford, CT, Dr. Pazooki adds, \u201cMany factors are contributing to the progress we\u2019re making against cancer. Two of the most important are the research advances driving development of highly effective therapies and the efforts of clinicians to provide those therapies to as many patients as possible as soon as possible. As one of the nation\u2019s largest networks of oncology specialists, RCCA is proud to offer patients access to both cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials in our community-based centers near their homes.\u201dAn Unwelcome Rise in Diagnoses of Several Cancers\u201cMany factors are contributing to the progress we\u2019re making against cancer. Two of the most important are the research advances driving development of highly effective therapies and the efforts of clinicians to provide those therapies to as many patients as possible as soon as possible.\u201d – Mohammad Pazooki, MDDr. Pazooki notes that the ACS report\u2019s welcome news on declining cancer death rates was offset by statistics showing an increase in new cases of breast, prostate, liver, oral, pancreatic and uterine cancer.1 He adds that researchers also identified rising rates of liver cancer and melanoma in women, though not in men.1\u201cThe American Cancer Society estimates that more than 2.1 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026.1 That means that each day of this year, 5,800 people will learn that they have cancer. As a physician who has had to deliver that diagnosis thousands of times over more than 20 years in practice, I know all too well how devastating this news is to the patient and his or her loved ones,\u201d the medical oncologist says. (See accompanying table for national and selected state estimates of 2026 diagnoses for several common cancers.)He adds, \u201cIn reviewing these statistics, I was struck by how many of the cancers that are increasing in incidence can be detected early \u2013 and in some cases prevented \u2013 by regular screening. For example, colonoscopy allows gastroenterologists to find and remove polyps before colon cancer develops, just as a full body skin exam enables a dermatologist to recognize and excise precancerous lesions. And mammography is a crucial tool in the effort to identify and treat breast cancer in its earliest stages.\u201dDr. Donato adds, \u201cThere is a great deal that people can do to reduce their risk of developing these cancers and others. Research found that in 2019, roughly 40% of all new cancers and 44% of all cancer deaths in adults aged 30 and older were attributable to lifestyle behaviors that people can change.2 These include smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and poor diet. I recognize that these behaviors are not always easy to change, but the effort is well worth it, considering the benefits to be realized in terms of reduced cancer risk and improved overall health. The start of a new year is a great time to work with your primary care provider on developing and implementing a realistic plan to adopt healthy habits.\u201dFind Expert Cancer Care Near You in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., AreaDr. Donato and Dr. Pazooki are among 90+ medical oncologists and hematologists who practice with Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), one of the nation\u2019s largest networks of oncology specialists. RCCA has more than 20 locations near you across New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, D.C., area. RCCA\u2019s cancer specialists see more than 30,000 new patients each year and provide care to more than 265,000 established patients, collaborating closely with those patients\u2019 other physicians. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, as well as access to approximately 300\u00a0clinical trials. In addition to serving patients who have solid tumors, blood-based cancers, and benign blood disorders, RCCA care centers also provide\u00a0infusion services to people with a number of non-oncologic conditions\u2014including\u00a0multiple sclerosis,\u00a0Crohn\u2019s disease,\u00a0asthma, iron-deficiency anemia, and\u00a0rheumatoid arthritis\u2014who take intravenously-administered medications.To learn more about RCCA, call 844-346-7222 or contact RCCA.ReferencesAmerican Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2026. Available at https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/research\/cancer-facts-statistics\/all-cancer-facts-figures\/2026-cancer-facts-figures.html. Accessed January 14, 2026.Islami F, Marlow EC, Thomson B, et al. Proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in the United States, 2019. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024;74:405-432.Table: Estimated Number of New Cases for Selected Cancers, 2026Source: American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2026.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twe are here for you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more information or to schedule an appointment, call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the\u00a0RCCA location\u00a0nearest you.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\trequest an appointment\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRELATED ARTICLES\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDeciding Where to Receive Cancer Care: RCCA Oncologists Outline Key 5 Considerations\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cMy uncle\u2019s neighbor was diagnosed with the exact same cancer, I think, last year and his specialist has been wonderful. I\u2019m going to get you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen You Diagnose (or Suspect) Cancer: 3 Reasons to Refer Your Patients to RCCA\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cWhat happens next?\u201d \u201cWhere should I go for treatment?\u201d They are questions physicians often hear after informing a patient that they have identified confirmed or\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2018Blood Work\u2019 and Cancer Detection: 2 RCCA Oncologists Explain What Doctors Look for in Your CBC\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cYou\u2019re going to feel a little pinch.\u201d Each year, tens of millions of Americans hear that phrase, or words to the same effect, just before\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"2026 Cancer Statistics","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/2026-cancer-statistics\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]