A new Gallup survey finds that almost 10 percent of Americans say they have or have had cancer, reports Avery Lotz for Axios. That’s the bad news. The good news is that fewer people in the US are dying of cancer over the last few decades.
Gallup has seen a rise in cancer diagnoses in its two-year averages over the last several years. And, at almost 10 percent, it is now higher than ever. It was at around seven percent between 2008 and 2015. But, Gallup explains that the increase in cancer rates is in part related to the fact that people diagnosed with cancer are living longer after their diagnoses. In addition, more people are surviving cancer.
Older adults are more likely to report a cancer diagnosis than younger adults. More than one in five people over 65 report having been diagnosed with cancer. In comparison, nine percent of people between 45 and 64 report having been diagnosed with cancer.
This all said, the incidence of colorectal cancer among younger Americans is on the rise. Among other types of cancer the incidence of cancer for people who are overweight is also on the rise. The likelihood of lung cancer has decreased.
Gallup reports that men have experienced lower death rates from cancer because they have stopped smoking and get prostate cancer screenings.
Here’s more from Just Care:
- 2026: Five things to think about when choosing between Traditional Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan
- Cancer screenings bring benefits at substantial cost
- Medicare Advantage inappropriate denials of care abound
- Get the preventive care you need: Medicare pays for it
- Take advantage of Medicare’s annual wellness visit
