Key Takeaway:
- U.S. cancer mortality has fallen 35% since 1991, preventing more than 4.8 million deaths and contributing to 18.6 million cancer survivors.
- Major racial and ethnic cancer disparities have narrowed, particularly in lung, cervical and stomach cancer outcomes.
- Early-onset colorectal cancer and lung cancer in never-smoking Asian women are rising, highlighting the need for continued research and equitable healthcare access.
Cancer mortality in the United States has fallen 35% since 1991, preventing more than 4.8 million deaths, but new data show persistent health disparities and rising rates of several cancers among vulnerable populations.
Cancer death rates continue long-term decline
The American Association for Cancer Research released its 2026 AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report, highlighting major gains in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment while warning that many communities still face unequal outcomes.
According to the AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report, the overall U.S. cancer mortality rate has dropped 35% since 1991. Researchers estimate that more than 4.8 million cancer deaths have been avoided during that period, contributing to a population of more than 18.6 million cancer survivors.
The report, published every two years since 2020, examines how cancer affects racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups differently and identifies barriers to care that continue to influence outcomes.
“Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death and a major driver of healthcare costs in the U.S.,” said Mariana C. Stern, chair of the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2026 Steering Committee. “Decades of research have significantly increased our understanding of cancer causes, how to detect it early, and how to treat it more effectively.”
Gaps narrow for several major cancers
Researchers reported progress in reducing some longstanding disparities between racial and ethnic groups.
The gap in overall cancer mortality between Black and White Americans has narrowed substantially. In 1991, cancer death rates were 34% higher among Black individuals. By 2024, that difference had fallen to 9%.
Lung cancer trends played a major role in that improvement. In 1991, lung cancer mortality was 23% higher among Black individuals than White individuals. By 2024, the trend had reversed, with mortality about 4% lower among Black individuals.
The report also found improvement in cervical cancer outcomes. Mortality among Hispanic women was 70% higher than among White women in 2000. By 2024, that difference had declined to 10%.
For stomach cancer, mortality rates among Asian and Pacific Islander populations remained elevated but showed progress. The gap compared with White populations decreased from 150% higher in 2000 to 81% higher in 2024.
“Unfortunately, these advances have not reached all populations equally,” Stern said. She noted that unequal access to healthcare and research participation continues to affect outcomes.
Researchers urge more support as new risks emerge
Despite overall progress, the AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report identifies troubling trends that could widen disparities in the future.
Researchers found increasing rates of early-onset colorectal cancer across all racial and ethnic groups. The largest increases were reported among Native American and Alaska Native populations.
The report also highlighted rising lung cancer incidence among Asian women who have never smoked, a trend researchers say requires further study to determine underlying causes.
AACR officials called for continued federal investment in cancer disparities research and programs that expand access to screening, clinical trials, and treatment.
The report also includes personal accounts from 10 cancer survivors and advocates, illustrating how healthcare inequities affect patients and families.
“We can develop strategies to reduce barriers to healthcare access, expand access to screening and clinical trials, and develop effective therapies for all populations,” the report stated. “This report summarizes these advances, identifies priorities for continued work, and calls for action to reduce the burden of cancer across the United States.”
Researchers said sustained efforts will be needed to ensure future cancer advances benefit all Americans equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, gender identity, or geographic location, a key conclusion of the AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report.
