Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures

The Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Facts & Figures, 2023-2024  is an educational companion for “Updated Review of Major Cancer Risk Factors and Screening Test Use in the United States, with a Focus on Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” a scientific paper published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention. 

Updated information is provided in the 2024 Tables & Figures Only document. This 2024 update includes—for the first time—state-level lung cancer screening prevalence estimates in 2022. The 2024Table & FiguresOnly document also updates all other state-level major risk factors and screening data with the most current data.

Every person can take two actions to greatly reduce their risk of developing and dying from the most common types of cancer in the United States:

Make efforts to reduce those harmful everyday habits that increase the risk of developing cancer.
Follow the guidelines for recommended cancer screenings.

In the United States for 2023, 45% of the 609,820 cancer deaths estimated to occur are expected to be attributable to cancer risk factors that are all potentially modifiable. For instance, people can make efforts to change their lifestyle to reduce the risk of cancer from:

Cigarette smoking
Secondhand smoke exposure
Excess body weight
Alcohol intake
Unhealthy diet
Physical inactivity
Ultraviolet radiation exposure
Cancer-associated infections

Cancer screening tests can also help prevent thousands of additional cancer cases and deaths.

This Facts & Figures report provides the latest data and information on the:

Most common risk factors for cancer that can potentially be modified
Preventative vaccinations
Use of cancer screening tests
Social, economic, and public policy factors that profoundly influence a person’s behaviors

See the press release: "New ACS Report Finds Smoking, Alcohol Use, Physical Inactivity Decreased During COVID-19; Worsening Trends in Obesity, Cervical Cancer Screening"

Download the PDF

See the 2024 CPED Tables & Figures Only

Download PowerPoint Presentation

Present up-to-date information and statistics about cancer prevention and early detection like an expert with this PowerPoint slide set of graphics and tables, complete with explanatory text.

More than 15% of cancer cases and cancer deaths are related to the combined effects of excess body weight, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet. Many of these cancers could be prevented, which is why ACS researchers continue to conduct studies that help people know what to do to protect themselves against cancer.

Glossary for Nonscientists

Featured Term:
Health care barriers

Factors that prevent a person from getting to (accessing) quality health care and services, which may include lack of adequate health insurance, location of health centers, available transportation, and time off from work.

Citations, Credits, & Permissions

Suggested citations: Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures 2023-2024. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2023-2024.

Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures Tables & Figures 2024. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2024.

Please note that any reproduction or re-use should credit the appropriate American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures publication and include a statement of copyright.

Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures