Cancer is no longer the death sentence it is believed to be. A 2023 report shows a 33% decrease in the cancer death rate since 1991, with an estimated 3.8 million cancer survivors living due to better screening and treatment options available.*

While it is true cancer is a public health issue and it is the second leading cause of death in the United States, mortality rates have steadily decreased over the past 20 years. This means cancer survivorship guidance is needed more than ever as more and more people are surviving their cancer diagnosis.

This study, from the American Cancer Society also noted the rising rates of breast, uterine, and prostate cancers, all of which also have significant racial disparity when it comes to mortality rates. We need to do better to close the diagnostic, treatment and mortality gaps that exist for under represented communities.

*Siegel, RL, Miller, KD, Wagle, NS, Jemal, A. Cancer statistics, 2023. CA Cancer J Clin. 2023; 73( 1): 17- 48. doi:10.3322/caac.21763

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