4 Troubling Cancer Trends You Must Know About in 2025

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has released its annual report for 2025, and while there's progress to celebrate, there are still alarming trends that demand attention. Cancer death rates have dropped by a remarkable 34% between 1991 and 2022, thanks to early detection, reduced smoking rates, and advancements in treatment. But before we pop the champagne, experts are raising red flags about troubling patterns in cancer prevalence.

One of the most concerning trends is the rise in cancer diagnoses among younger individuals and adolescents. The report shows that cancer rates in teens are climbing by 0.7% each year. Cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death in children and adolescents, with leukemia, brain cancer, and lymphoma being the most common culprits. The ACS projects that in 2025, around 9,550 kids aged 14 and under, and 5,140 adolescents aged 15-19, will be diagnosed with cancer. Tragically, this means 1,050 children and 600 adolescents will lose their lives.

Dr. Paul Oberstein from NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center highlighted another alarming statistic: higher cancer death rates in individuals under 50, particularly young women with breast cancer. Gastrointestinal cancers, including pancreatic and colon cancer, are also becoming more prevalent among younger adults. Theories range from dietary habits to environmental factors like microplastics, but as Dr. Oberstein aptly put it, "We don't have a good explanation, and we need to invest in discovering why this might be the case." Translation: science needs to roll up its sleeves.

Cervical cancer, a potentially preventable disease, still poses risks for thousands of women. Despite significant progress in screening uptake from the mid-1970s to mid-2000s, rates have plateaued. An estimated 13,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2025, with 4,000 expected deaths. Dr. Jessica Shepherd emphasized the importance of HPV testing and early detection, which could stop cervical cancer in its tracks. Yet, disparities remain glaring: Native American women and Black women have significantly higher death rates from cervical cancer compared to White women due to limited access to healthcare and screenings.

Gastrointestinal cancers continue to be a major concern. Pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality rates are increasing by 1% annually, with a dismal five-year survival rate of 13%. In 2025, the ACS estimates 67,440 new pancreatic cancer cases and 51,980 deaths in the U.S. While early detection shows promise for colorectal cancer, progress for pancreatic, liver, and stomach cancers feels like it’s stuck in slow motion.

Dr. Oberstein pointed out that detecting GI cancers earlier could drastically improve outcomes, but current efforts need a serious boost. He stressed the urgency of focusing on stomach, liver, and pancreatic cancers to make a meaningful difference.

In summary, while strides have been made in reducing overall cancer deaths, the rising prevalence among younger populations and persisting disparities in treatment outcomes are stark reminders that the fight against cancer is far from over. It’s time to channel more resources into research, awareness, and preventive measures.