Cancer Rates Surge Among Women and Younger Adults in the U.S.

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A recent report from the American Cancer Society reveals alarming trends in cancer diagnoses, indicating that for the first time since the early 1900s, women are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than men. The report, titled "Cancer Statistics," analyzes data from 1991 to 2021, highlighting significant shifts in cancer rates across different demographics.

William Dahut, the Chief Scientific Officer for ACS, emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that cancer has become the leading cause of death for individuals under the age of 85. The report anticipates over 2 million new cancer diagnoses and 618,000 cancer-related deaths in the coming year.

Among the notable findings, women under 65 years of age are now diagnosed with cancer more frequently than their male counterparts. The increase is predominantly attributed to rising rates of breast and thyroid cancers, with thyroid cancer previously being the fastest-growing type.

Further, the report sheds light on persistent racial and gender disparities in cancer incidence and mortality. Native Americans are at a heightened risk for several types of cancer compared to white individuals, while Black women, though less frequently diagnosed, face greater mortality rates from breast cancer.

Despite these worrying trends, the report also highlights advancements in cancer treatment and early detection, contributing to a 34% decrease in cancer mortality since 1991, equating to over 4.5 million lives saved. Experts stress the importance of addressing healthcare inequalities to improve outcomes for all populations.

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