U.S. Cancer Mortality Declined 35% Since 1991, AACR Report Shows

The overall U.S. cancer mortality rate fell by 35% between 1991 and 2024, translating into nearly 5 million cancer deaths averted, according to the 2026 AACR Cancer Progress Report. The decline reflects decades of progress in tobacco control, screening, earlier detection and new treatments such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy. The annual report also serves as an advocacy document, underscoring the dependence of these gains on sustained federal funding for cancer research and public health programmes.