American Cancer Society Facts and Figures 2023

By Jake Konigsberg

       Every year, the American Cancer Society releases facts and figures pertaining to cancer in the United States. Recently, the 2023 version was released. The report spans over 80 pages and covers various topics such as an estimation of the number of people who will be diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and the survival rate and probability of developing various types of cancers. 

Estimated Cancer Cases in 2023

       The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2023 there will be a total of 1,958,310 new cancer cases which is nearly the same as the 2022 estimate of 1,918,030. Additionally, the American Cancer Society anticipates that 2023 will see around 609,820 cancer deaths which is a slight increase compared to the 2022 estimate of 609,360. It is important to note that the static estimations are unsurprising since trends and changes in cancer prevalence and mortality are mostly evident over time. On a more optimistic note, the American Cancer Society projects slight improvements for various cancer types in terms of 5-year survival rate. Compared to 2022, the American Cancer Society estimates a 1% increase in survival rate for breast, esophagus, kidney, liver, lung, oral cavity, ovary, pancreatic, stomach, and cervical cancers.

Lung Cancer

       Each year, the American Cancer Society devotes part of the Cancer Facts and Figures publication to a special section. This year, the special section focuses on lung cancer. It provides an in-depth and comprehensive discussion of lung cancer survival, incidence, mortality, risk factors, screening prevalence, and disparities to inform and educate everyone from patients and caregivers to legislators and policymakers.

       Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and leading cause of cancer-related death. While this form of cancer is most prominent with people who have a history of smoking, it can also affect non-smokers. Notably, lung cancer disproportionally affects those of lower socioeconomic status. The deadliness of lung cancer is due to its often-late diagnosis and intervention; however, recent discoveries and advancements have helped to increase the survival rate associated with lung cancer. In 2023, it is estimated that over 238,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer and over 127,000 people will lose their battle. 

       Lung cancer prevalence is affected by racial and socioeconomic disparities, on top of other factors like place of residence and sex. In terms of racial disparities, lung cancer incidence is greatest among Black men, and lung cancer mortality is greatest among Black & American Indian and Alaskan Native men. Lung cancer mortality is especially high among American Indian and Alaskan Native men due to a history of smoking. Interestingly, lung cancer mortality rates are lowest among Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic individuals due to historically low rates of smoking. In terms of socioeconomic disparities, lung cancer risk is greatest for those with lower socioeconomic status. This disparity is due to people of lower socioeconomic status having a higher rate of smoking, lack of access to high-quality healthcare, and greater likelihood to be diagnosed with advanced-stage disease.

Learn more about the American Cancer Society’s 2023 Cancer Facts and Figures here.