The American Cancer Society warns that sustained investment in cancer research is essential to maintain progress, and that threats to funding or reduced health insurance access could jeopardize future breakthroughs.

Dr. William Dahart notes that as survival improves, the focus shifts to survivorship—addressing physical, emotional, and financial challenges—and he calls for more resources to support survivors, caregivers, and clinicians.

The report underscores ongoing challenges for research funding and workforce cuts under the current administration, arguing sustained funding is crucial for continued improvements in survival.

Lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers remain leading causes of cancer death, with obesity linked to rising rates of endometrial and pancreatic cancers according to the study data.

Lifestyle risk factors persist, with tobacco use as the leading cancer risk despite declines in smoking; only about 18% of eligible people receive lung cancer screening, though estimates may overstate actual screening rates.

Public health guidance continues to urge daily actions to reduce risk: maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, stay active, eat well, and limit alcohol.

Findings come from central cancer registries and the National Center for Health Statistics, as reported in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians (Cancer Statistics, 2026).

The report is complemented by the consumer-focused Cancer Facts & Figures 2026, available on cancer.org.

Rising cancer diagnoses are linked to expanded screening, environmental exposures, increasing obesity from ultraprocessed foods, and higher alcohol use among women, with calls for more research to understand causes.

Experts also emphasize the need to understand causes to improve prevention and early detection, amid rising cases due to the same risk factors.

The article is an excerpt from STAT, highlighting key statistics and expert perspectives while noting the full story is behind STAT+.