HOUSTON, Texas – The American Cancer Society is releasing its 2026 annual Cancer Facts & Figures report on Tuesday, and for the first time, the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined has reached 70%, a historic milestone in the fight against cancer.
The 2025 report, which provides context for today’s findings, projected more than 2 million new cancer cases in the U.S. and over 600,000 cancer-related deaths. Experts say improvements in early detection, screening, and treatment have contributed to declining mortality rates and a growing number of long-term survivors. Nearly half of the people diagnosed with cancer survive 10 years or more.
Here to break down what these numbers mean for patients and families are Jenny Todd, Vice President of the Greater Texas American Cancer Society, and Gwen Jackson, a cervical cancer survivor. She will discuss how advances in screening and care improve outcomes while highlighting the importance of early detection and continued public health efforts.
While survival rates continue to improve, the report underscores ongoing challenges, including disparities in cancer care and the need for continued research and access to treatment across all communities.