According to a first-ever report by the American Cancer Society in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the number of Americans with a history of cancer, currently estimated to be 13.7 million, will grow to approximately 18 million by 2022. The report, Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts & Figures, 2012-2013, and the accompanying journal article published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, used data from the NCI-funded Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program.
Although cancer incidence rates are decreasing, the reports indicate that the number of cancer survivors is growing due to improving cancer survival rates along with the aging and growth of the population.
Today, the 3 most common cancers among males living with a history of cancer are prostate cancer (43%), colorectal cancer (9%), and melanoma (7%). Among women with a history of cancer today, the 3 most common cancers are breast (41%), uterine (8%), and colorectal (8%) cancer. The new report shows that, in 2022, those proportions are expected to remain unaltered.
In addition to prevalence estimates, the reports also address treatment, survival, and common concerns of survivors for 11 selected cancers. The growing number of cancer survivors in the United States is creating an increasingly important need for understanding the distinct medical and psychosocial needs of survivors. Connecting patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers with helpful resources will also assist with navigating the various phases of cancer survivorship.
“With this effort, we review the critical issues related to cancer treatment and survivorship,” said Elizabeth R. Ward, PhD, national vice president of Intramural Research and senior author of the report. “Many survivors, even among those who are cancer free, must cope with the long-term effects of treatment, as well as psychological concerns such as fear of recurrence. As more people survive cancer, it is vital that healthcare providers are aware of the special needs of cancer patients and caregivers.”
Source: ACS.