Did You Know? Cancer Survivorship

Did you know that more than 12 and a half million Americans are alive today who were previously diagnosed with cancer as children or adults? Thanks to improvements in early detection and treatment, the number of cancer survivors in the United States increased every year from 1970 to 2009. Approximately 40 percent of U.S. cancer survivors were diagnosed 10 or more years ago. Enhanced detection and advances in medical treatment have contributed to the improvement in long-term cancer survival. The proportion of cancer survivors living at least 5 years after diagnosis increased from 62 percent in 1992 to 67 percent in 2004. Survival trends in childhood cancers are even more encouraging. Five-year survival among children and adolescents younger than 20 years of age rose from 77 percent in 1992 to 82 percent in 2004. For many types of cancer, early detection and treatment can help people become long-term cancer survivors. Cancer survivors can benefit from engaging in regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco products. Talk with your doctor about cancer screening.