Cancer survival rates in the U.S. continue to move in a positive direction, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society.

The report shows that the five-year survival rate for all cancers has reached 70% for people diagnosed between 2015 and 2021, a major milestone that reflects decades of progress in research, treatment, and early detection.

“If we look at the improvements in overall survival, that includes progress in some cancers that were historically more fatal,” said Dr. Dale Shepard, an oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic. “It really highlights better research and better treatments.”

Those improvements are especially striking for cancers that once had very poor outcomes. Since the mid-1990s, survival rates have increased for myeloma, liver cancer, and lung cancer, according to the report.

At the same time, doctors are seeing more cancer diagnoses overall. Cancer incidence has increased for several types, including breast, prostate, liver, and pancreatic cancers.

Dr. Shepard says that’s not necessarily bad news.

“Screenings are important,” he explained. “When we screen more effectively, we find more cancers, so the incidence goes up. But that goes hand in hand with finding cancer earlier, treating it successfully, and improving survival.”

Despite the overall progress, cancer remains a leading cause of death nationwide. Lung cancer is projected to cause the most cancer-related deaths in 2026, surpassing deaths from colorectal and pancreatic cancers combined.

Health experts say the latest numbers show how far cancer treatment has come, while also underscoring the importance of continued research, prevention, and early detection.