Older Cancer Survivor Population to Increase Substantially

The researchers found that in January 2008 the number of cancer survivors was estimated at 11.9 million, compared to approximately 3 million in 1971, the year the US National Cancer Act was signed.

The results also showed that approximately 60% of cancer survivors were age 65 or older, and by the year 2020, the researchers estimated that 63% of cancer survivors will be age 65 or older. The most common diagnosis among cancer survivors included female breast cancer (22%), prostate cancer (20%), and colorectal cancer (9%). Lung cancer, which is by far the most diagnosed cancer in men and women, is much lower in the survivor population, standing at just 3%. The study was published in the October 2011 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

“We can expect a dramatic increase in the number of older adults who are diagnosed with or carry a history of cancer,” said Julia Rowland, PhD, director of the NCI office of cancer survivorship. “Cancer is largely a disease of aging, so we're seeing yet another effect of the baby boom generation, and we need to prepare for this increase.”

Improved survival and population aging converge to generate a booming population of older adult cancer survivors, many of whom have a range of multiple complex health conditions and unique survivorship needs. This demographic shift has important implications for future health care needs and costs of the US population.

Related Links:
US National Cancer Institute