U.S. cancer snapshot: As nationwide cancer deaths fall, melanoma incidence creeps higher
Facts at your fingertips
By Emily Margosian, assistant editor, May 1, 2021
The latest data from the American Cancer Society (ACS), offers a public health update some may feel good about. Despite a challenging past year and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 is projected to experience another record-breaking drop in cancer deaths.
Each year, the ACS estimates the number of new cancer diagnoses and deaths in the United States by compiling the most recent data on population-based cancer occurrence. ACS researchers project that in 2021 in the U.S., there will be approximately 1,898,160 new cancer cases, and 608,570 cancer deaths. Although ACS historical data show that U.S. cancer rates have continued to fall since their peak in 1991, 2021’s projections mark a new milestone in the ongoing battle against cancer.
Despite these wins, melanoma and non-epithelial skin cancer incidence and deaths are projected to slightly increase in 2021, with melanoma predicted to account for a majority (92%) of new cases.* Men remain particularly vulnerable, accounting for 59% of all new cases and 66% of anticipated deaths. For a detailed breakdown of 2021’s projected melanoma and non-epithelial skin cancer incidence, see the graphic below.
