Cancer continues to affect millions of people worldwide, but recent findings offer both hope and concern. A study released by the American Cancer Society on Thursday paints a mixed and rapidly shifting picture of cancer trends in the United States. While there has been significant progress in reducing cancer mortality, particularly over the past few decades, rising rates of cancer among younger and middle-aged women are a cause for concern. For Catholics, this study serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting those in need and advocating for compassionate care in the face of health disparities.
Declining Mortality, Rising Incidence
On a positive note, cancer mortality has declined significantly in recent years. According to the American Cancer Society’s annual survey, mortality from cancer decreased by 34% between 1991 and 2022. This reduction is largely attributed to advances in cancer detection, treatment, and a decline in smoking rates. “Continued reductions in cancer mortality because of drops in smoking, better treatment and earlier detection is certainly great news,” said Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society.
However, while survival rates have improved, there is an unsettling trend of increasing cancer diagnoses among younger and middle-aged women. More young women are being diagnosed with cancer, particularly breast cancer. Since the mid-2000s, breast cancer diagnoses among women under 50 have been rising by 1.4% annually, compared to a slower rise of 0.7% among older women. In fact, overall cancer incidence rates among women under age 50 were 82% higher than their male counterparts in 2021, up from 51% in 2002.
This shift in cancer trends presents new challenges, particularly for families where women often serve as primary caregivers. As these women battle cancer, they not only face the physical challenges of the disease but also the emotional and spiritual burdens it places on their families. For Catholics, this reality is an invitation to offer prayers for healing and strength, as well as to support those who care for loved ones.
A Shifting Burden
Rebecca Siegel notes, “This progress [in cancer mortality reduction] is tempered by rising incidence in young and middle-aged women, who are often the family caregivers, and a shifting cancer burden from men to women.” This shifting burden calls for increased awareness and outreach, particularly in communities where women may lack access to early detection and treatment.
For men, the picture is more complex. While lung cancer rates have significantly declined, prostate cancer rates have been rising since 2014. This mixed trend highlights that, despite advances in treatment, not all forms of cancer are seeing the same positive outcomes.
Racial Inequities in Cancer Care
The study also brings to light troubling racial inequities in cancer care. Black and Native American communities are disproportionately affected by cancer, with mortality rates from certain cancers two to three times higher than their white counterparts. One notable example is cervical cancer, which is preventable through regular screenings like pap smears. Unfortunately, these communities often face barriers to access, resulting in higher mortality rates.
This disparity in access to healthcare presents a moral challenge for Catholics. We are called to recognize the dignity of all people, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, and to advocate for equitable healthcare that reaches the most vulnerable. As Pope Francis has often reminded us, a society is judged by how it cares for its most marginalized members. Now, more than ever, it is essential to stand in solidarity with those affected by cancer, especially those facing barriers to care.
The Need for Continued Research and Prayer
Despite the progress made in cancer treatment, the study also revealed concerning trends. Mortality rates are increasing for cancers of the oral cavity, pancreas, uterine corpus, and liver. These cancers, which often carry poor prognoses, highlight the ongoing need for research, innovation, and better treatments.
The American Cancer Society projects that more than 2 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in 2025, with more than 600,000 people dying from the disease. As we face these challenges, let us remember the importance of prayer. The suffering caused by cancer affects not only the individual but entire families and communities. Let us lift up in prayer all those who are fighting cancer and their caregivers, asking for God’s comfort and healing presence.
For Catholics, this study serves as a reminder that we are all called to be part of the solution. We must advocate for better healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities, and support the ongoing research that can lead to more effective treatments. Most importantly, we are called to offer compassion and support to those who are battling cancer, recognizing that the love and care we extend to others reflect the love Christ has for each of us.
As we continue to witness these shifting trends in cancer, let us stand united in faith, offering prayers, support, and advocacy for those affected by this disease. By doing so, we fulfill our Christian calling to care for the sick, uphold the dignity of life, and work towards a more just and compassionate society.