The American Cancer Society released the latest cancer report on Tuesday, January 13.  For the first time in history, 70% (7 in 10) of patients are reaching five years of survival after their cancer diagnosis, according to ACS.

What is Cancer? 

Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in the body. It begins with genetic mutations that affect cell growth, causing cells to multiply when they shouldn’t.

New survival percentages in each type:

• Thyroid (98%)
• Prostate (98%)
• Testis (95%)
• Melanoma (95%)
• Breast (92%)
• Blood (62%)
• Liver (22%)
• Lung (22%)
• Esophagus (22%)
• Pancreas (13%)

Why are we seeing breakthroughs in the survival rate?

Improvements in treatment, earlier detection methods, and decreased smoking rates have all turned death sentences into chronic diseases. Doctors and scientists are developing a better understanding of the development and spread, which is allowing them to stop or slow cancer growth in the immune system. One specific treatment that is making major advancements is Target Therapy.

What is Target Therapy? 

Target Therapy is a type of cancer treatment that targets proteins that control cancerous cells. It helps the immune system destroy and stop the growth of cancer cells. There are two main treatment types: Small-molecule drugs and monoclonal antibodies. Molecule drugs are small and are able to enter cells easily, which is good for targets inside the cells. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins produced in a lab. Doctors use these proteins to target specific parts of the cancer cells.

When target therapy was developed, scientists wanted a less toxic treatment compared to chemotherapy. However, they have learned there are some side effects with this type of treatment. Some side effects include diarrhea, liver problems, blood clotting, high blood pressure, rash, and loss of hair color. However, scientists have developed medicine to help with the side effects.

While Target Therapy is not perfect, it is making a big impact on cancer patients. MD Anderson cancer doctor, Christopher Flowers, said Target Therapy has improved survival outcomes of lung cancer, which is the leading type of cancer deaths in the United States.

Through the improvement of treatment, the American Cancer Society estimates 4.8 million cancer deaths were prevented from 1991 to 2023.

Are there some areas that are not improving?

Yes, there are some areas that doctors and scientists are still trying to improve.

• Colorectal, breast, endometrial, prostate, and pancreatic cancer continue to rise.
• In 2026, the American Cancer Society estimates 5,800 more people will be diagnosed with cancer every day
• The Society also estimates there will be more than 626,000 cancer deaths and 2.1 million diagnoses in the United States
• Cancer research grants are decreasing, which means fewer research opportunities. Also, insurance coverage and limited access to cancer drugs are affecting patients.

Is cancer all genetics? 

While having cancer genetics does increase your probability of having cancer, it is not the only factor. Doctors are finding that obesity levels are becoming the leading factor. Dr. Clark Gamblin, a gastrointestinal surgeon, says, “Our country has an epidemic of obesity, and cancers follow that.”

So, lowering obesity in the United States will also help the survival rate increase.

While we are not seeing positive results in every area, the fact that there are improvements in the cancer world is promising. To continue this trend, we must take care of our bodies and help to raise awareness for cancer research funding to continue. Let’s make a better world for ourselves and future generations!

Sources:

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/cancer/cancer-survival-rate-five-years-7-in-10-patients-rcna253089

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/people-living-5-years-after-cancer-diagnosis-new/story?id=129144499

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/targeted-therapies

https://join1440.com/newsletter/cancer-milestone-dilbert-cartoonist-dies-and-pigs-on-trial