"We're living in a curious moment for the status of cancer diagnosis and treatment, within the United States. The overall rate of prevalence for diseases that fall under the wide, wide title of "cancers" is increasing. At the same time, steady improvement to the standard of care and treatment, and newer breakthroughs in therapeutics, have raised survival rates higher than they've ever been before. But for all too many patients, the question is whether they'll be able to afford those"
"The U.S. population just keeps on getting older. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. population who are 65 and older rose again, by 3.1% from 2023 to 2024, continuing a trend that has been happening for decades. From 2004 to 2024, the total share of the U.S. population that was 65 and older rose from 12.4% to 18.0%. Simultaneously, thanks to falling birth"
National cancer incidence is rising while treatments and therapeutics have improved survival rates, producing higher survival for those who can access and afford care. New wonder drugs and higher-quality standard care have raised survival, but surging medical costs and rising insurance premiums limit access, particularly after policy changes under the second Donald Trump administration. An estimated 2.1 million new cancer cases and more than 626,000 deaths are expected in 2026. Demographic aging is a primary driver: Americans 65+ rose 3.1% from 2023–2024 and from 12.4% to 18.0% of the population from 2004–2024. Low-income Americans face the worst outcomes.
Read at Jezebel
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