Cancer Survivors could increase by over 30% over the next 10 years, according to The American Cancer Society, who published an article on it's website stating that more people than ever can be expected to survive cancer up to 2022.
In the USA there has been an ever-growing population of cancer survivors, estimated at 13.7 million in 2012. The predicted figures for 2022 are in the region of 18 million, more than 30% present levels. The report goes on to say that even though new cancer cases are decreasing, the number of survivors is growing.
This is also more encouraging when you see that those over 70 years of age make up almost 50% of these figures. Proving that age should not be a barrier to recovery.
The report includes information on treatment, survival, and common
concerns of survivors for 11 selected cancer types. As an example, the
section on childhood cancer estimates there are 58,510 survivors living in the
US, and 12,060 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2012. Childhood cancer represents less than 1% of all new cancer diagnoses each year, but it
is the 2nd leading cause of death in children, after accidents.
Elizabeth R. Ward, Ph.D., senior author of the report said “Many survivors, even among those who are cancer free, must cope with
the long-term effects of treatment, as well as psychological concerns
such as fear of recurrence. As more people survive cancer, it is vital
that health care providers are aware of the special needs of cancer
patients and caregivers.”
Stay Healthy!
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