U.S. Cancer Survivors Increase to Nearly 12 Million | NCI Cancer Bulletin for March 22, 2011 - National Cancer Institute

U.S. Cancer Survivors Increase to Nearly 12 Million

The number of U.S. cancer survivors increased from 9.8 million in 2001 to 11.7 million in 2007, according to an analysis of new cancer cases and follow-up data from NCI’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program [SEER Web Site]. The findings appeared in the March 11 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report [Cancer Survivors --- United States, 2007].


According to the report, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers were the most common types of cancer among survivors, accounting for 51 percent of diagnoses. Among all cancer survivors, 54.3 percent were female, 45.7 percent were male, nearly 7 million were 65 years of age or older, and 4.7 million received their diagnosis 10 or more years earlier.

The number of survivors has risen markedly since 1971, when an estimated 3 million people were living with cancer. The increase seen over the past 4 decades is attributable to a variety of factors, including an aging U.S. population, earlier detection, and more sophisticated treatments that allow individuals to live longer following initial diagnosis.

Because of the considerable growth in the number of cancer survivors, health care and public health professionals should become familiar with their unique medical and psychosocial issues, stressed Dr. Arica White of the CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control in a news release announcing the findings.

“For many cancer survivors and those around them, the effect of cancer does not end with the last treatment,” said Dr. Julia H. Rowland, director of NCI’s Office of Cancer Survivorship. “Research has allowed us to better understand some of the long-term health risks and quality of life concerns among this population.”

The analysis by NCI and CDC scientists underscores the need for continued research and coordinated efforts to develop and implement best practices for ensuring optimal post-treatment care and support for all cancer survivors, she explained.

NCI Cancer Bulletin for March 22, 2011 - National Cancer Institute