The American Cancer Society's (ACS) annual cancer trends report for 2025 has brought to light both positive advancements and serious concerns within the field of oncology. Notably, cancer death rates have seen a significant decline of 34% between 1991 and 2022, attributed largely to improvements in early detection, smoking cessation, and advancements in treatment options. Despite this encouraging statistic, oncologists express deep concerns over various unsettling trends.
One alarming trend identified is the increasing rate of cancer diagnoses and deaths among younger individuals. Dr. Joshua Strauss, an attending hematologist and medical oncologist at Advanced Care Oncology and Hematology Associates of the Atlantic Medical Group, highlighted this issue, stating, "While there is progress on many fronts, certain areas remain of significant concern." He pointed out the rising prevalence of cancer among teens, noting the statistics contained in the ACS report. The report estimates approximately 9,550 children under 14 and 5,140 adolescents aged 15-19 will be diagnosed with cancer this year, with anticipated deaths of 1,050 children and 600 adolescents.
Another leading oncologist, Dr. Paul Oberstein from NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, emphasized the troubling trend of increased cancer deaths among those under 50 years old, especially among young women with breast cancer. "It’s shown in multiple cancers," he explained. Increasingly, gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including pancreatic and colon cancers, are being diagnosed at younger ages, and experts are turning to potential lifestyle factors such as diet and exposure to microplastics as possible explanations.
Though some cancers continue to show improved statistics, the dangers of cervical cancer persist. Although cervical cancer incidence rates halved between the mid-1970s and mid-2000s due to the uptake of screenings, the current trend shows stabilization. Dr. Jessica Shepherd, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, projected approximately 13,000 new cervical cancer diagnoses and 4,000 deaths among women for 2025. She noted worrying increases particularly among women aged 30 to 44. "Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers we can prevent," she stated, stressing the importance of HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination, which could lead to significant reductions if utilized more widely.
Disparities extend beyond incidence rates; specific communities, especially Native American and Black women, are disproportionately affected. The ACS report highlighted these alarming statistics, showing death rates from cervical cancer are 50% higher among Black women and 70% higher for Native American women compared to their white counterparts. The five-year relative survival rate stands at 58% for Black women versus 67% for white women. Dr. Shepherd pointed out the lack of access to preventative care as the main culprit behind these disparities, urging increased awareness and the need for more thorough public education efforts.
Additionally, gastrointestinal cancers continue to present challenges. The ACS report indicated rising incidents of colorectal cancer among individuals younger than 65. Between 2012 and 2021, colorectal cancer rates climbed by 2.4% each year among under-50s and by 0.4% for adults aged 50 to 64. Personal anecdotes from experts, including Dr. Oberstein, suggest advancements have been made with early detection and treatment, but the fight remains formidable. "The biggest benefit we've seen for mortality rates arises from earlier detection of GI cancers. Still, there is much work to be done," he remarked, emphasizing the monstrous challenge pancreatic cancer poses, with projections of 67,440 new diagnoses and approximately 51,980 anticipated deaths this year alone, leading to the assertion from medical professionals of its dismal five-year relative survival rate of just 13%.
While this segment of the report sheds light on alarming trends for the current year, research by Dr. Maurie Markman of City of Hope reinforces the idea of the future incidence of cancer remaining troubling. A 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open compared cancer incidence rates between Generation X, born from 1965 to 1980, and Baby Boomers, born from 1946 to 1964. The analysis projected higher cancer incidence rates for the younger Generation X cohort across multiple types of cancer including thyroid, kidney, rectal, and colorectal cancers, as well as leukemia.
For men, projections also point to increases, particularly for cancers like prostate and rectal cancers. This research reinforces the notion of increased cancer risk among the younger population and suggests the importance of continued cancer prevention efforts. Dr. Markman cautioned, "The incidence of cancer overall is not going down and will remain high for the foreseeable future. Working on the areas of cancer prevention is becoming critically important."
The dual narratives of promising advancements against cancer alongside rising challenges paint a complex picture. The strides made via early detection and improved treatments must be matched with dedicated efforts to address disparities and rising incidence rates, particularly among our youth. A concerted effort across the medical community, policymakers, and public health campaigns can mitigate these concerning trends. If we are to protect future generations, prioritizing cancer awareness and prevention is non-negotiable. The upcoming years challenge us to do just this.
