One In 10 American Adults Report Cancer Diagnosis In Lifetime

A new Gallup survey shows 9.7% of American adults report receiving a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime, marking the highest rate since tracking began 17 years ago. The figure climbed from 7% in 2008-09 to the current record level in 2024-25. Gallup surveyed 16,949 adults online and 23,969 quarterly participants, asking “Has a doctor or nurse ever told you that you have cancer?” The increase reflects an aging population rather than rising cancer rates. “Overall, the cancer story in the U.S. is mixed with both good news and bad news,” Gallup’s Dan Withers wrote, noting falling mortality rates but increasing healthcare demands. Cancer diagnoses among adults 65 and older jumped 3.4 percentage points to 21.5% since 2008-09. White adults show the highest lifetime cancer rates at 10.9%, while men slightly exceed women at 9.8% versus 9.6%. (Story URL)