• Cancer deaths in the US have significantly decreased, with a 34% drop from 1991 to 2022.
• Women under 50 are now 82% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer compared to their male counterparts.
• Certain cancers, including breast and thyroid cancers, are contributing to rising diagnoses among younger women.
• Disparities in cancer outcomes persist among racial and ethnic groups.
• Despite rising incidence rates, cancer survival rates are improving due to advancements in detection and treatment.

The latest report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) underscores a troubling trend: while cancer mortality rates have seen a significant decline in the United States, the incidence of cancer among women, particularly younger women, has been rising sharply. The report indicates that since 1991, overall cancer deaths have dropped by an impressive 34%, largely due to improvements in treatment and early detection strategies.

However, the specific highlight of this year's findings is the alarming increase in cancer diagnoses among women under 50, which now exceed their male peers by 82%, marking a notable rise from 51% in 2002. Factors contributing to this increase seem to be mainly breast and thyroid cancers, which account for nearly half of all cancer cases among individuals under 50. Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at ACS, emphasized that this **dramatic shift** suggests a fundamental change in the cancer landscape, reminiscent of trends not seen since the early 1900s.

Among the findings, data from The New York Times pointed out that while breast cancer remains the foremost threat for women, the growing incidence of lung cancer has also caught researchers' attention. For the first time, women under 65 have a higher incidence of lung cancer compared to men, attributed in part to changing smoking patterns over the decades.

Moreover, the report highlights significant racial disparities in cancer diagnoses and treatment outcomes, particularly among Black and Native American populations. Black women, despite a lower overall incidence rate for breast cancer, suffer higher mortality rates compared to their White counterparts. Such disparities reveal ongoing inequality in cancer care that needs urgent address.

While concerning trends emerge regarding cancer incidence among young adults and women, overall survival rates remain promising; the mortality rate continues to decline due to reduced smoking rates and advancements in medications and therapies. The Hill's coverage affirms the need for continued attention towards both understanding these rising incidents and ensuring equitable access to effective cancer care and early detection among all populations.

As we move forward, advocating for better healthcare practices, increased awareness, and research focused on the specific vulnerabilities of younger populations and women will be crucial in turning the tide against these rising cancer rates.

For more detailed insights, refer to the full report on Forbes.