Towards a "70%" Cancer Survival Rate Era: The True Meaning of "More People Are Being Saved" - Advances in Cancer Treatment and Our Actions

From "Cancer is Scary" to "Living with Cancer"—The Turning Point Indicated by Numbers

The word "cancer" still makes many people tense. The battle of someone close, the news of a famous person's death, the image of treatment side effects—there are countless reasons for fear.

However, the statistics from the United States introduced by German reports have updated this "common sense." In the U.S., it has reached the stage where "70% of people diagnosed with cancer survive at least five years." The important point is that this figure is not limited to certain types of cancer but represents an achievement for "cancer overall." It shows that medical advancements are spreading across a wide range, not just specific areas.

"It's Not Just the Easily Treatable Cancers"—Significant Improvements in "Tough Cancers"

The reason the statistics carry hope is the notable improvements in cancers long considered "lethal." Examples mentioned in the article include:

• The five-year relative survival rate for multiple myeloma increased from 32% to 62%

• Liver cancer increased from 7% to 22%

• Lung cancer increased from 15% to 28%
  showing significant growth.
  Furthermore, even for advanced cancers (such as those with distant metastasis, generally considered severe), the five-year relative survival rate has risen from 17% in the mid-1990s to 35%. While the numbers are straightforward, they reflect the reality that "the range of people who respond to treatment has expanded" and "the environment to continue treatment has been established."

What Changed It: The Accumulation of Research, Treatment, Diagnosis, and Supportive Care

The rise in survival rates did not happen because of a single magical new drug. Multiple factors have accumulated simultaneously.

1) Evolution of Treatment (More Effective Weapons)
Treatments that identify cancer characteristics at the molecular level, treatments utilizing immune functions, optimization of drug combinations, and improvements in the precision of radiation and surgery. These advancements are beginning to reach "cancers that were previously difficult to treat."

2) Early Detection (Finding It Earlier)
The spread of screenings and imaging diagnostics changes the stage at which the same "cancer" is detected. Early detection increases treatment options and raises the probability of cure and long-term survival.

3) Supportive Care (More People Can Continue Treatment)
Control of nausea and pain, infection prevention, nutrition, rehabilitation, and psychological support. As the foundation supporting treatment becomes more established, the completion rate increases, ultimately impacting survival.

"34% Drop in Mortality Rate" and "Increase in Patient Numbers"—A Reality That Seems Contradictory but Happens Simultaneously

The article also mentions that the cancer mortality rate has decreased by 34% from its peak in 1991 to 2023, with an estimated 4.8 million deaths avoided. This is evidence that not only medical advancements but also progress in smoking cessation and early detection have had a long-term impact on society over decades.

On the other hand, it is projected that in the U.S. in 2026, about 2.11 million people will be newly diagnosed with cancer, and about 626,000 will die. Even though survival rates are rising, the number of patients is also high—this "coexistence" is not surprising.

The longer people live, the higher the probability of encountering cancer. Also, as testing becomes more widespread, the number of people diagnosed increases. In other words, as medical care advances, we enter a phase where "cancer patients increase in society." From here on, medical care will need to focus not only on "curing" but also on "supporting for the long term."

The "Invisible Wall" of Disparities—Who Receives Effective Medical Care and Who Doesn't

The biggest issue highlighted by the statistics is medical disparities. The article indicates that Native Americans in the U.S. have a higher risk of death from certain cancers than whites, with socioeconomic factors and lack of medical access as underlying causes.

It is important to note that disparities cannot be explained solely by "lack of personal effort." Place of residence, insurance, income, transportation, information, language, discrimination and prejudice, family care burdens—when these factors overlap, they manifest in results such as being unable to go for screenings, delayed diagnosis, and having to interrupt treatment.

As medical care becomes more advanced, dramatic improvements are likely for those who receive it, while those who do not are more likely to be left behind. Therefore, the "70% survival rate" should not end as an unqualified celebration but should be a number that leads to a "system that reaches widely."

What It Means for Japan—Redesigning with the Premise of a "Cancer-Prevalent Society"

While the article focuses on U.S. statistics, Japan and Europe are moving in the same direction. Due to aging populations, the number of patients is likely to increase. With advancements in treatment, the mortality rate may decrease. As a result, the number of "cancer survivors" in society will increase, and issues outside of medical care, such as work, education, household finances, caregiving, and mental health, will become more significant.

It's necessary to have a society that can address the anxiety and aftereffects that continue after treatment, concerns about recurrence, and adjustments in employment, rather than ending with "treatment is over." The hopeful statistics are not only a victory for medical care but also an increase in society's homework.

Prevention as the "Strongest Option"—Translating 14 Recommendations into "Doable Forms"

The article also emphasizes the importance of prevention. The "European Code Against Cancer" by WHO/IARC lists scientifically based actions such as avoiding smoking and passive smoking, weight management, exercise, diet, alcohol moderation, UV protection, workplace exposure measures, and infection prevention (vaccines, etc.).

However, simply presenting this as a "checklist of correct principles" makes it difficult for people to act. Busyness, costs, local medical resources, family circumstances, and information bias—these realities accumulate as "I know, but I can't do it."

That is why prevention should be driven by systems, not individual perseverance. For example, support for workplace screenings, easy-to-understand municipal guidance, convenient scheduling, and reduced costs can increase actions by making them easier to undertake.

Common Reactions on Social Media (Summary and Recomposition of Discussion Trends)

※This is not a quote from specific posts but an organization of common reaction patterns on social media in response to the article content.

1) "Found Hope" Group
Positive reactions such as "It feels like there are more options than when my family battled cancer" and "I booked a screening." The type where numbers serve as a "push to take action."

2) "I Understand the Numbers, But Reality Is More Complex" Group
Voices saying "Five-year survival ≠ cure" and "We also need to talk about recurrence, aftereffects, and quality of life." The type that points out the limitations of indicators and seeks reality from the perspective of those involved.

3) "The Issue of Disparities Is the Main Topic" Group
Reactions focusing on access barriers, such as "Even if medical care advances, it's too expensive to access" and "It's hard to commute for treatment in rural areas." This often leads to discussions on social structure.

4) "The Talk of Prevention Is Exhausting" Group
While agreeing with smoking cessation, reduced alcohol consumption, and exercise, there are conflicts like "It's impossible to do it all" and "I'm afraid of being blamed for personal responsibility."

5) "Screenings Are Scary, But I Know They're Necessary" Group
Feelings of fear about knowing the results and the barriers of time and cost leading to procrastination are expressed. Here, designing a "pathway to receive screenings with peace of mind" becomes important.

Conclusion: Turning Hopeful Numbers into the "Next Step" for Society and Individuals

The "70% survival rate" is evidence that cancer treatment has made definite progress. The visible improvements in severe diseases like lung and liver cancer are also the result of the interplay of research, treatment, diagnosis, and supportive care.

On the other hand, the increase in patient numbers and the issue of disparities clearly define future challenges. Making prevention and screenings "doable," and ensuring that treatment outcomes are accessible to everyone. Investments and system designs for these will determine the survival rate for the next decade.

Source URL

・FOCUS online (Introduction of key figures from U.S. statistics, improved cancer types, disparities, and prevention)
https://www.focus.de/gesundheit/ratgeber/die-chance-krebs-zu-ueberleben-war-nie-so-gut-wie-heute_ff9d7949-f892-43ba-9bfd-b3ac2d476233.html

・American Cancer Society (Press release: Estimated new patient and death numbers for 2026, long-term decline in mortality rate, etc.)
https://pressroom.cancer.org/cancer-statistics-report-2026

・American Cancer Society (Annual report PDF: Detailed statistics such as reaching a 70% five-year relative survival rate for overall cancer)
https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2026/2026-cancer-facts-and-figures.pdf

・European Code Against Cancer (WHO/IARC: Primary information on 14 recommendations for cancer prevention)
https://cancer-code-europe.iarc.who.int/