Experts from the American Association for Cancer Research predict that there will be over 2 million new cancer cases diagnosed in 2024 in the United States, despite a decrease in overall cancer death rates between 1991 and 2021. Modifiable risk factors such as smoking, excess body weight, and excessive alcohol intake are associated with 40% of all cancers in the U.S. The latest available data shows that 5.4% of all cancers are attributable to alcohol use. Despite advancements in cancer research and treatment, barriers to early detection and prevention tools like vaccines still exist, contributing to the high number of new cancer cases expected in 2024.
The 2024 edition of the American Association for Cancer Research’s Cancer Progress Report highlights the significant decrease in the age-adjusted overall cancer death rate by 33% in the United States between 1991 and 2021. Strong efforts in tobacco control, cancer screening awareness and uptake, and more effective treatments have contributed to this progress. However, rising rates of incident cancers indicate that more work needs to be done to address barriers to prevention tools and unhealthy lifestyle choices that contribute to cancer development.
Cancer experts emphasize the importance of understanding modifiable risk factors associated with cancer to prevent it altogether. Lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking, moderating alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, staying physically active, and protecting the skin from UV radiation can help reduce cancer risk. Excessive alcohol use is highlighted as a significant risk factor, with 5.4% of all cancer cases in the U.S. in 2019 attributed to alcohol. Public health initiatives focusing on reducing alcohol consumption and increasing awareness of the dangers can lead to a decreased risk of developing cancer.
The report also acknowledges the need to make early detection screenings and vaccines for preventable cancers like cervical cancer accessible to everyone. The rise in early-onset cancers, including colorectal, breast, and other cancers in young adults under 50, poses a challenge. The overall cervical cancer rate in women aged 30 to 34 has also increased. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, processed food consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle are believed to underlie the spike in early-onset cancer cases.
While progress has been made in reducing cancer mortality, experts agree that more work remains to be done. Understanding cancer risk factors and making lifestyle choices can help prevent cancer diagnoses. Disparities in healthcare access and screening can contribute to higher mortality rates, underscoring the importance of addressing these issues. Implementing public health policies and acting on scientific discoveries to improve lifestyle choices and medical care practices are crucial steps in the fight against cancer. Despite challenges such as increased cancer incidence in certain populations, advancements in therapeutics and technologies offer hope for improving patient survival and quality of life.
