Cancer Facts and Figures

The American Cancer Society projects the numbers of new cancer cases and deaths expected each year in order to estimate the contemporary cancer burden because cancer incidence and mortality data lag two to four years behind the current year. In addition, the regularly updated Facts & Figures publications present the most current trends in cancer occurrence and survival, as well as information on symptoms, prevention, early detection, and treatment.

ACS has published Cancer Facts & Figures annually since 1951. This annual report provides the most current information about cancer. A unique feature of these publications is their projections of the number of cancer cases and deaths expected in each state and in the nation in the current year. These widely cited projections serve as a basis for research, but are also readily understood by the public. Each edition of Cancer Facts & Figures includes a Special Section of in-depth focus on a specific cancer or group of cancers.