Cancer Statistics in the United States (2009)

Source: American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2009. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2009.

"The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that approximatel 11.1 million Americans with a history of cancer were alive in January 2005. Some of these individuals were cancer-free, while others still had evidence of cancer and may have been undergoing treatment."

"About 1,479,350 new cancer cases [were] expected to be diagnosed in 2009."

"[In 2009], about 562,340 Americans [were] expected to die of cancer, more than 1,500 people a day. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US, exceeded only by heart disease. In the US, cancer accounts for nearly 1 of every 4 deaths."

"The 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers diagnosed between 1996-2004 is 66%, up from 50% in 1975-1977. . . . The improvement in survival reflects progress in diagnosing certain cancers at an earlier stage and improvements in treatment. Survival statistics vary greatly by cancer type and stage at diagnosis."