New American Cancer Society Report Shows Cancer Survival Rates Reach 70 Percent Milestone

CLEVELAND, OHIO — A new American Cancer Society report released Jan. 14, 2026, says the five-year survival rate for all cancers in the United States has reached 70% for people diagnosed from 2015 through 2021, a milestone the organization attributes to improvements in research, treatment and early detection. The report analyzed outcomes for patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2021 and compared those results with historical trends, according to the American Cancer Society. The group reported that the combined five-year survival rate has climbed to 70%, reflecting gains across multiple cancer types. Dr. Dale Shepard, an oncologist at Cleveland Clinic, said survival rates are improving even for some cancers that have historically had high death rates. Shepard noted that lung and liver cancer outcomes are improving, which he attributed to medical advancements. The report also states that lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The report and local experts also pointed to the continuing role of screening in shaping cancer statistics. Shepard said that while breast and prostate cancer incidence is rising, screening can increase incidence numbers because more cases are found. The report suggests those screenings remain important because they can detect cancer earlier and help reduce the overall death rate. The American Cancer Society report did not provide additional details in the provided material about specific survival rates by cancer type, geographic differences, or changes in mortality beyond its statement about lung cancer’s status as the leading cause of cancer-related fatalities. Health experts regularly emphasize that earlier detection can expand treatment options for many cancers. The American Cancer Society report frames the 70% five-year survival mark as a sign of progress that has come from multiple factors, including advances in treatment and the broader use of screening to identify cancers sooner. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.