American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures 2023, released today, reports that the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is now 12%, an increase of one percentage point from last year.
This is the first time since 2017 that the survival rate has gone up two years in a row, a promising upward trend that points to continued progress in the fight against this tough disease. It also represents lives saved:
A one percentage point increase means 641 more loved ones who will enjoy life’s moments five years after their pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
“We are heartened by another increase in five-year survival,” said PanCAN President and CEO Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA. “It’s an important milestone that shows we’re headed in the right direction – and this means so much to all those affected by pancreatic cancer.”
Still, there’s more work to be done, as the Facts & Figures report also reveals that an estimated 64,050 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023, more people than ever before. Approximately 50,550 Americans are expected to die from the disease this year.
And while pancreatic cancer is currently the 10th most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., it remains the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Pancreatic cancer is on track to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths before 2030.
Taken together, these new statistics mean that PanCAN’s work is more vital than ever, said Fleshman.
“Our bold goal is to drive five-year survival to 20% by 2030,” she said. “We have the pieces in place to get there. Our research, our advocacy work, our dedicated volunteers, our Patient Services team – this comprehensive approach fuels progress. And our generous donors make it all possible.”