Every year, the American Cancer Society (ACS) compiles the most recent data on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival rates. Sources include the National Center for Health Statistics; the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program; the National Program of Cancer Registries; and the North American Assn. of Central Cancer Registries. ACS uses this information to project the numbers of new cancer cases and deaths that will occur in the US in the current year.
Projections for this year still reflect the challenges cancers pose to the health care system. By 2018, we can expect around 1.7 million new cases of cancer, with a projected mortality rate of about 36% (600,920 deaths). The picture is worse for men than women, with a projected incidence rate of 20% higher for men and a cancer death rate 40% higher.