Charted: Cancer Survival Rates Over Time
Charted: Cancer Survival Rates Over Time
In the U.S., breakthroughs in cancer research have led to the creation of life-saving therapies and preventative measures. This has allowed people to live longer than ever before.
This graphic, created in partnership with Range ETFs, provides visual context to survival rates by cancer type over time.
Cancer in the U.S.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) projects that in 2024, over 2 million new cases will be diagnosed in the U.S., with more than 610,000 individuals expected to lose their lives to the disease.
The statistics on new cases and deaths remain too high. However, it’s also important to acknowledge the progress that has been made in survival rates.
Thanks to advancements in screening, preventive measures, and innovative treatments, people diagnosed with cancer are now living longer. In fact, from 2012-2021, the ACS estimates that the death rate has dropped by 1.6% per year.
Survival Rates by Type
Over the last few decades, the likelihood of surviving cancer has improved. From 1975-77 to 2013-19, the average probability of being alive in five years across all types rose from 49% to 69%.
The trend in survivability has improved across the board. However, there have been large variances in progress by type.
| Site | 1975-77 (%) | 1995-97 (%) | 2013-2019 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All sites | 49 | 63 | 69 |
| Breast (female) | 75 | 87 | 91 |
| Prostate | 68 | 97 | 97 |
| Lung & bronchus | 12 | 15 | 25 |
| Colon & rectum | 50 | 61 | 64 |
Among the five most common types—prostate, breast (female), colon and rectum, and lung and bronchus—prostate cancer has achieved the largest increase in survivorship. The 5-year survival rate for this type rose from 68% in 1975-77 to 97% as of 2013-19. This is largely due to earlier detection through PSA and advancements in treatment.
Survivorship from breast malignancies in females has also been a relative success story, with the 2013-19 survival rate at 91%.
Lung and bronchus cancer—which is closely linked to smoking—remains the laggard of the group. In 2024, nearly 235,000 men and women were diagnosed with this disease, which has one of the lowest 5-year survival rates (25%) among all types.
Investing in a Healthy Future
By 2024, U.S. cancer survivors are projected to reach 26 million. However, with new cases on the rise, further advancements in therapeutics that improve survival rates are necessary.
This offers investors an opportunity to gain exposure to the expanding cancer therapeutics industry while contributing to a healthier future.
Learn more about the Range Cancer Therapeutics ETF (CNCR).
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