U.S. Cancer Death Rates Have Continued to Fall
Progress in lung cancer treatment and smoking prevention has helped improve outcomes for many Americans.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Cancer
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The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer has documented a continued decline in cancer mortality across the United States. Gains against lung cancer served as the primary driver for this overall reduction in death rates.
Why it matters
The ongoing decline in cancer deaths signals success in long-term public health efforts to reduce smoking and improve early detection. Improving access to screenings and advanced testing remains critical for sustaining these improvements across all communities.
The report examined mortality trends from 2004 through 2023, finding that cancer death rates declined for all racial and ethnic groups. Five-year relative survival for lung cancer reached 30.1% as of 2018.
The details
The mortality decline is largely linked to decades of smoking reduction efforts occurring between 1970 and 2022. Additionally, earlier clinical diagnoses coupled with advancements in biomarker testing, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy have enabled more precise, effective interventions for lung cancer patients.
Timeline
1970 through 2022 saw significant reductions in smoking incidence.
2004 through 2023 was the period analyzed for cancer mortality trends.
2019 through 2023 saw overall lung cancer death rate declines.
2024 data showed adult smoking prevalence fell to 9.9%.
2025 data confirmed 22 states now require insurance coverage for biomarker testing.
Health Landscape
The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer remains the authoritative gauge for national progress against malignancies. These findings represent a notable shift in the historical arc of cancer care, moving from broad treatments toward a model centered on early detection and targeted therapies.
If you are a current or former smoker, talk to your doctor about your eligibility for lung cancer screening, which has shown rising adoption across the country. Additionally, ask your physician if your specific diagnosis warrants the biomarker testing that is increasingly covered by state mandates.
The takeaway
The sustained reduction in cancer mortality underscores the profound impact of prevention and early diagnosis. If you have concerns about your cancer risk factors, consult your physician to review your personal screening needs and any applicable testing options.
Further reading
For more information on how screening and prevention contribute to better outcomes, visit the Cancer section.
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