Cancer Rates Rising Among Women Under 65, Surpassing Men for the First Time

New data from the American Cancer Society highlights gender disparities, increasing rates in younger populations, and persistent racial inequalities in cancer outcomes.

The American Cancer Society's 2025 report reveals that women under 65 are now more likely to develop cancer than men of the same age, with breast, lung, and colorectal cancers leading diagnoses.
Cancer rates in women under 50 are 82% higher than in men, driven by rising cases of breast and thyroid cancers, while lung cancer rates in women under 65 also surpassed those in men for the first time.
Overall cancer mortality in the U.S. has declined by 34% since 1991, but deaths from certain cancers, including pancreatic and endometrial cancers, are increasing, with the latter showing a sharp racial disparity in survival rates.
Health inequities persist, with Native American and Black populations experiencing significantly worse outcomes for several cancers due to disparities in access to care and early detection.
Experts emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes, such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and early screenings, particularly for colorectal cancer starting at age 45.