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The new edition of Cancer Atlas released

​Today, the American Cancer Society announced the release of The Cancer Atlas, 4th Edition, a collaborative effort to uncover global cancer patterns and stark inequalities in addressing the burden of the disease. Produced by ACS and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), The Cancer Atlas reports that an estimated 50% of all cancer deaths worldwide are attributed to modifiable risk factors. These findings will be presented at the Cancer Prevention Research Conference 2025, hosted by ACS and Cancer Research United Kingdom (CRUK) in London, from June 25 to 27.  

The Cancer Atlas presents the most up-to-date scientific data and evidence-based consensus across the entire cancer continuum. More than 70 leading experts and scientists from 35 institutions worldwide contributed to the book’s 47 chapters. As with previous editions, the 4th edition of The Cancer Atlas is grouped into three sections: Risk Factors, The Burden, and Taking Action. Additional chapters address timely and emerging essential topics, including Alcohol, Climate Change and Cancer, and Health System Resilience.
 
“This global collaboration to produce the 4th edition of The Cancer Atlas is critical in advancing the American Cancer Society’s vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone,” said Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, ACS senior vice president, surveillance & health equity science and lead editor of the report. “A substantial proportion of cancer in each country can be prevented by implementing resource-stratified cancer prevention and control measures, including health promotion, tobacco control, and vaccination. However, such measures are not implemented optimally in many countries because of a lack of political will.” 

Globally, there are 19 million people diagnosed with cancer and 10 million deaths each year (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). Without intervention, these numbers could rise to over 33 million cases and 18 million deaths by 2050, solely due to the aging and growth of the population. Lung cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, killing about 1.8 million people every year. Still, over 1 billion people worldwide use tobacco products due to the incomplete implementation of proven effective tobacco control measures.
 
“The Cancer Atlas brings attention to some of our most pressing challenges and biggest opportunities to address the global cancer burden,” said Dr. William Dahut, ACS chief scientific officer. “Together, we can leverage this research to lessen cancer’s footprint on our global community by increasing education, prioritizing screening and prevention, and improving care.”  

Additional highlights from the report include: 

  • Many lower-income countries are experiencing a sharp rise in incidence of lung, colorectal, and breast cancers in the wake of increasing prevalence of risk factors associated with economic development (e.g., smoking, unhealthy diet, alcohol use, excess body fatness and physical inactivity, and lower fertility), although infection-related cancers (e.g., cervical cancer) still prevail. 
  • Cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among women in 29 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Less than 10% of women aged 30-49 years, in many of these countries, have ever had screening, compared to over 80% in most Western countries. Coverage of the highly effective HPV vaccine ranges widely from 3% in Central and Southern Asia to 86% in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Cancer death rates are disproportionately higher in many low-income countries due to poorer survival. Over 90% of the population in low- and middle-income countries lack access to safe and timely surgical care; and 23 low-and middle-income countries with populations over 1 million, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, did not have access to radiotherapy.
  • Among young adults, colorectal cancer incidence rates are rising in many high-income countries in contrast to a decrease in older adults due to reduced smoking and screening uptake. The increase may in part reflect the obesity epidemic and consumption of an unhealthy diet. 
  • Universal health coverage (UHC) ensures access to quality health services without financial strain, yet in 2021, around 4.5 billion people (57% of the world population) still lacked full essential coverage. Implementing an essential set of cancer services as part of UHC could save more than 7 million lives by 2030.

The Cancer Atlas is available in print and digital formats. It was designed to ensure user-friendly, accessible, and downloadable descriptions and graphics that can be easily used by cancer-control advocates; government, private, and public health agencies; policymakers; patients and survivors; and the general public.  

Other ACS editors for the 4th edition of The Cancer Atlas are Dr. Hyuna Sung and Kieran Kelly.  

The 2026 Cancer Prevention Research Conference will be held in Atlanta, Georgia. 

  • Study finds Medicaid expansion increased Medicaid coverage, early-stage cancer diagnosis and survival among adults 65 and older

    A new study by researchers at ACS shows Medicaid expansion was associated with an increase in Medicaid coverage, early-stage cancer diagnoses, and improved two-year survival among patients diagnosed with cancer aged 65 years and older. The findings were presented at this year’s American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.

    In the report, led by Kewei Sylvia Shi, MPH, associate scientist, health services research at ACS, researchers identified patients 65 years or older using the National Cancer Database. They analyzed data of newly diagnosed patients with cancer between 2010 and 2022 residing in areas with a median household income below 200% of the federal poverty level. Researchers applied a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences design, with multivariable linear probability models, to compare the changes in the percentage of dual-eligible or Medicaid-only coverage, early stage at diagnosis, and two-year survival post (vs. pre) Medicaid expansion in expansion states compared with non-expansion states.

    Study results included a total of 1,461,540 patients with cancer, with 881,692 patients from expansion states and 579,848 patients from non-expansion states. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, the percentage of patients with dual or Medicaid-only coverage increased from 10.3% to 11.3% in expansion states and decreased from 9.4% to 8.1% in non-expansion states, resulting in a net increase of 1.25 percentage points associated with Medicaid expansion. Differences were more pronounced among patients over 85 years, females, non-Hispanic Black, metropolitan residents, and those with comorbidities.

    Early-stage (0,I,II) cancer diagnoses decreased more in non-expansion states (55.6% to 53.1%) than in expansion states (53.5% to 51.9%), resulting in a net 1.00 percentage points increase. The protective effects of Medicaid expansion were stronger for lung and bronchus and oral cavity and pharynx cancers.

    Two-year overall survival rates increased from 58.8% to 62.4% in expansion states and from 59.2% to 62.5% in non-expansion states, leading to a net benefit of 0.77 percentage points. Improvements were most notable for stage IV, lung and bronchus, kidney, and bladder cancers.

    Researchers stress these findings underscore the spillover benefits of Medicaid expansion in supporting low-income elderly populations and the importance of indirect benefits when evaluating Medicaid expansion’s broader impact.

  • County-level medical debt associated with delays in cancer treatment among newly diagnosed

    ​A new study by researchers at ACS shows that a higher county-level share of medical debt in collections was associated with delays in treatment initiation among individuals newly diagnosed with cancer. The findings were presented at this year’s American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.

    In the report, led by Dr. Jingxuan Zhao, senior scientist, health services research at ACS, researchers identified adults aged 19 years and older who were newly diagnosed with cancer from 2012 to 2021. They used the Colorado Central Cancer Registry linked to the Colorado All-Payer Claims Database, which was combined with information on county-level share of adults with medical debt in collections. Scientists examined the associations of county-level medical debt and receipt of any treatment within 90 days after cancer diagnosis overall and by selected cancer sites (acute leukemias, lymphomas, breast, colorectal, and lung cancers) and health insurance coverage, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.

    The study showed that, among 35,789 individuals newly diagnosed with cancer, individuals living in counties with a higher share of adults with medical debt in collections had a lower likelihood of initiating treatment within 90 days after diagnosis compared to those living in counties with a lower share of adults with medical debt. When stratified by cancer site, higher county-level medical debt was associated with a lower likelihood of timely treatment initiation among individuals diagnosed with breast and colorectal cancers. When stratified by health insurance, higher county-level medical debt was associated with a lower likelihood of timely treatment initiation among individuals aged 19-64 years with coverage through private health maintenance organization plans and Medicaid.

    Researchers stress policies aimed at preventing and alleviating medical debt could be effective strategies for improving access to timely cancer treatment.

  • Study shows that pre-diagnosis adverse financial events increase cancer mortality risk

    A new study by ACS researchers shows court-documented adverse financial events (AFEs) of pre-diagnosis bankruptcy, lien, or eviction were associated with increased risk of all-cause and cancer-specific mortality for multiple cancer types. The findings underscore lasting adverse consequences of patient financial vulnerability prior to incurring high out-of-pocket costs of cancer treatment. The data was presented at this year’s American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.

    In the study, led by Dr. Robin Yabroff, scientific vice president, health services research at ACS, researchers analyzed records of adults aged 21 to 69 years diagnosed with common cancer types, including bladder, female breast, colorectal, kidney, lung and bronchus, oral cavity/pharynx, or prostate cancers or melanoma during 2014-2015. The individuals were identified from the SEER population-based registries for Seattle, Louisiana, and Georgia. Registry data was linked with LexisNexis consumer data to identify history of court-documented AFEs of bankruptcies, liens, and evictions. Vital status and cause of death were examined through December 31, 2021.

    Study results showed that of 58,796 individuals diagnosed with one of the eight selected cancers, 21,694 (36.9%) had a pre-diagnosis AFE, and there were 16,714 deaths (28.4%) during the study period. Pre-diagnosis AFEs were associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality for individuals diagnosed with female breast, colorectal, oral cavity/pharynx, and prostate cancer and early- and late-stage melanoma, in adjusted models. Pre-diagnosis AFEs were also associated with a significantly higher risk of cancer-specific mortality for these five cancers.

    Researchers stress that the findings are especially timely, with growing efforts by health care providers to screen and address patient health-related social needs as part of comprehensive oncology care.​

  • Study finds Medicaid expansion improves cancer survival among people in rural and high-poverty communities

    ​A new study by researchers at ACS shows Medicaid expansion significantly improved 5-year cause-specific cancer survival and overall survival among people residing in rural and high-poverty communities. The findings were presented at this year's American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago.

    In the report, led by Elizabeth Schafer, MPH, associate scientist, surveillance and health equity science at the ACS, researchers analyzed all tumors diagnosed during 2007-2008 (pre-Medicaid expansion) and 2014-2015 (post-Medicaid expansion).

    Study results included a total of 1,423,983 cancer cases diagnosed between 2007 and 2008 and 2014 and 2015 in Medicaid expansion and non-expansion states. For all cancers combined, the non-significant adjusted net increase in 5-year cause-specific cancer survival associated with Medicaid expansion was 0.08 percentage point. By sociodemographic factors, the improvements in cause-specific survival were greater in expansion states among individuals residing in rural and in high-poverty communities, among non-Hispanic White individuals, American Indian/Alaska Native, and non-Hispanic Black individuals, though not statistically significant for the latter two populations. Similarly, the net gains in 5-year overall survival in expansion states were statistically significant among non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White individuals, and among individuals residing in rural and high-poverty areas.

    Researchers stress improvements in long-term survival, especially among high-poverty and rural communities, underscore the importance of maintaining Medicaid expansion and further expanding in the 10 remaining states to broadly cover low-income adults and help reduce disparities in cancer survival outcomes.

  • More evidence links physical activity with improved cancer survival, study finds

    ​​A new large analysis led by ACS researchers shows engaging in leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) after a cancer diagnosis improves survival for people with different cancer types, including bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, kidney, lung, oral, prostate, rectal, and respiratory cancer. 

    “The effects of cancer treatment can wear you down physically and mentally,” said Dr. Erika Rees-Punia, senior principal scientist, population science research at ACS and lead author of the study. “This can make exercise feel like a daunting task, but doing some exercise is better than doing none. Finding an exercise that you enjoy or exercising with a friend can make it more approachable.”

    This is the first longitudinal study of the relationships between postdiagnosis physical activity and overall mortality in bladder and oral cavity cancer survivors and is the largest study to quantify associations within survivors of endometrial, kidney, and lung cancer. The findings were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI).

    “For decades, it’s been known that consistent exercise can help people live healthier lives,” Rees-Punia added. “Our findings bring more critical evidence that being physically active after a cancer diagnosis can have a meaningful impact on your likelihood of survival.”

    Other ACS researchers contributing to the study include Dr. Lauren Teras, Christina Newton, Dr. Lauren Bates-Fraser, Den E Bloodworth, and senior author Dr. Alpa Patel.

  • ACS releases new Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Statistics

    According to a new ACS report, Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Statistics, 2025, the number of people living with a history of cancer in the United States is estimated at 18.6 million as of January 1, 2025, and projected to exceed 22 million by 2035. The study also found notable disparities in treatment for many common cancers, including lung and colorectal. The findings are published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, alongside its consumer-friendly companion, Fast Facts: Cancer Treatment and Survivorship.

    “Behind every survivor of cancer, there is a story of resilience, but also of unmet needs,” said Dr. Nikita Sandeep Wagle, principal scientist, cancer surveillance research and lead author of the report. “Many survivors cope with critical issues, such as long-term effects of treatment, financial hardship, and fear of recurrence. It’s vital we recognize and respond to these needs in an equitable manner.”

    For the study, ACS and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) collaborated to estimate cancer prevalence in the US using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, and the US Census Bureau. In addition, cancer treatment patterns were presented from the National Cancer Database along with a brief overview of treatment‐related side effects.

    Highlights of the study include:

    • The three most prevalent cancers are prostate (3,552,460), melanoma of the skin (816,580), and colorectal (729,550) among males and breast (4,305,570), uterine corpus (945,540), and thyroid (859,890) among females.
    • About one half (51%) of survivors were diagnosed within the past 10 years, and nearly four out of five (79%) survivors were aged 60 years and older.
    • The number of survivors varies by state, from almost two million in California to about 32,000 in Wyoming and 29,000 in the District of Columbia, largely reflecting population size.
    • The number of female breast cancer survivors is projected to reach 5.3 million by January 1, 2035 – an increase of one million women from 2025, marking the largest projected growth among the top 10 most prevalent cancers.
    • Uninsured people diagnosed with stage I colorectal cancer have lower five-year survival rates than privately insured people with stage II disease.
    • Racial differences in treatment in 2021 were common across disease stage. Black people with stage I‐II lung cancer were less likely to undergo surgery than their White counterparts (47% vs. 52%).
    • Larger disparities exist for rectal cancer, with 39% of Black people with stage I disease undergoing surgery compared to 64% of their White counterparts.

    “Efforts to expand access to high‐quality care regardless of your skin color or bank balance are vital to reducing disparities and advancing equity for everyone affected by cancer, which is ultimately all of us,” said Rebecca Siegel, senior author of the study. “We need to do more to level the playing field and end barriers to quality care both during and after treatment.”

    “These findings demonstrate that early detection and improved treatment are making a real difference in the fight against cancer,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “There continues to be an urgent need to protect and expand access to care, especially at a time when proposed cuts to Medicaid and prevention and screening programs threaten to reverse our progress and undo the gains we have achieved. We cannot afford to turn back the clock now. ACS CAN will continue to work with lawmakers to stress that cuts have consequences and will only slow our work to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.” 

    Other ACS researchers contributing to the study include Dr. Leticia Nogueira, Dr. Robin Yabroff, Dr. Farhad Islami, Dr. Rick Alteri, and Dr. Ahmedin Jemal.

  • ACS participates in ASCO annual meeting

    The annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) begins Friday, May 30, in Chicago, IL, running until Tuesday, June 3. With more than 45,000 oncology professionals from around the world attending, the meeting is one of the largest and most diverse audiences in global oncology. The American Cancer Society will have a strong presence at the meeting, with an exhibit booth, leaders in attendance, and ACS experts presenting important research.

    New approaches and combinations of immunotherapies, alongside cutting-edge targeted therapies for rare and advanced cancers, will be highlighted at this year’s meeting. Featured studies will also explore how lifestyle changes can help reduce cancer risk and improve survival and will spotlight the exciting potential of AI and other technologies to revolutionize patient care.

    The theme for the 2025 annual meeting is, Driving Knowledge to Action: Building a Better Future. This year, team members from Discovery, Patient Support, ACS CAN, Development, Marketing, and Communications will be attending and managing key aspects of ACS involvement at ASCO.

    Discovery

    This year's ASCO annual meeting will feature more than 6,000 abstracts and 200 sessions. ACS team​​​ members will give more than 30 poster presentations, oral abstracts, and other presentations. In addition, more than 100 posters and 26 presentations will be given by ACS grantees. Almost 50 ACS research professors will be presenting during the event as well. 

    Below are just a few of the ACS submissions shared before the conference. Watch the ACS newsroom for more details of the research presented by our team members during the conference. 

    Association of Medicaid expansion with five-year survival after cancer diagnosis
    Presenter: Elizabeth Schafer

    In this study, Medicaid expansion was associated with greater increases in 5-year observed and cause-specific survival for non-Hispanic Black individuals, individuals living in the most deprived areas, and rural communities. These findings reinforce the importance of Medicaid expansion in reducing disparities in cancer survival outcomes.

    Association of court-documented major adverse financial events before cancer diagnosis and mortality risk in the U.S.
    Presenter: Robin Yabroff

    In this study, court-documented major adverse financial events (AFEs) of pre-diagnosis bankruptcy, lien, or eviction are associated with increased risk of all-cause and cancer-specific mortality for multiple cancer types. The findings underscore lasting adverse consequences of patient financial vulnerability prior to incurring high out-of-pocket costs of cancer treatment. The research is especially timely, with growing efforts by health care providers to screen and address patient health-related social needs as part of comprehensive oncology care.

    Spillover effects of Medicaid expansion on insurance coverage, diagnosis, and survival among low-income elderly patients with cancer
    Presenter: Kewei Sylvia Shi
    Conquer Cancer Merit Award

    In this study, Medicaid expansion was associated with an increase in Medicaid coverage, early-stage cancer diagnoses, and improved two-year survival among patients diagnosed with cancer 65 years or older. The findings underscore the spillover benefits of Medicaid expansion in supporting low-income elderly populations and the importance of indirect benefits when evaluating Medicaid expansion's broader impact.

    Association of county-level medical debt and timely treatment initiation among individuals newly diagnosed with cancer
    Presenter: Jingxuan Zhao

    In this study, county-level medical debt in collections was associated with delays in treatment initiation among individuals newly diagnosed with cancer. Policies aimed at preventing and alleviating medical debt could be effective strategies for improving access to timely cancer treatment.

    Medicare plan switching, hospice enrollment, and place of hospice services at the end-of-life among decedent patients diagnosed with distant stage cancers in 2010-2019
    Presenter: Xin Hu

    In this study, continuous Medicare Advantage (MA) coverage was associated with a greater likelihood of hospice utilization, particularly at home. In contrast, switching from MA to Traditional Medicare and gaining dual eligibility were associated with greater reliance on nursing homes for hospice care. Future research examining patient-centered outcomes across plan-switching patterns and addressing care coordination gaps to ensure equitable hospice care is warranted.

    ACS Exhibit Booth

    Cross-pillar representation will be at our booth at ASCO where we will be talking to health professionals about ACS and our high-value resources that support their career growth and further cancer research. Resources include: 

    • American Cancer Society and ASCO cancer.org content

    • Curated cross-pillar professional educational offerings (ACS LION, CAPC)

    • Curated cross-pillar patient support (ACS CancerRisk360, ACS CARES) & research resources 

    • Open access to trusted, evidence-based resources:

      • Cancer Facts & Figures, Cancer Atlas

      • ACS Journals

  • OWN TV star supports VOICES of Black Women study recruitment

    OWN and its health initiative campaign, OWN Your Health, have posted their VOICES of Black Women public service announcement (PSA) as part of their strategic partnership with ACS.

    In March, OWN launched a dedicated web page, OWN.tv/Voices, and announced plans for a campaign of tactics to support VOICES study recruitment. The campaign includes a PSA with Love & Marriage Huntsville talent Kimmi Grant-Scott, a breast cancer survivor and VOICES Ambassador. The PSA will be broadcast on air during the following times:

    • During prime premieres Friday and Saturday nights, the :30-second spot is being added to the schedule.
    • During days where promotional availability exists, the :60-second spot is being added.​

    Team members and volunteers are encouraged to like and share the posts featuring the PSA on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
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