According to recent data presented by the American Cancer Society (ACS), approximately 1.9 million new cancer cases are projected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2023. Moreover, an estimated 609,820 people in America will die from cancer that year, amounting to 1,670 deaths per day. These statistics highlight the devastating impact of cancer on individuals and society as a whole.
To further understand the magnitude of the problem, researchers at Penn State College of Medicine reported in 2018 that the top 15 types of cancer accounted for over $156 billion in costs in the United States. Furthermore, projections by the National Cancer Institute suggest that the national cancer-attributable cost for medical services and prescription drugs is expected to increase to $246 billion by 2030.
The field of oncology, which focuses on the study and treatment of cancer, is one of the largest and rapidly expanding sectors in biopharmaceutical research and development (R&D). The global oncology market exceeded a value of $203 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $470.61 billion by 2032, according to Precedence Research. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including advances in cancer research, the development of innovative treatments, and the rising awareness of cancer prevention.
In recent years, there has been significant attention given to the field of cancer vaccines. Major pharmaceutical companies, such as Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) and Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA), have collaborated on promising vaccines that combine mRNA cancer vaccines with other treatments. For example, phase 2 trials have shown that the combination of an mRNA cancer vaccine and Merck’s Keytruda® resulted in a 44% reduction in the risk of cancer recurrence or death compared to Keytruda alone.
Additionally, BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:BNTX), a German biotechnology company, and the UK government have signed an agreement to provide personalized mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies to up to 10,000 patients by 2030. These developments highlight the growing potential and commitment to advancing cancer treatment through innovative vaccine approaches.
To shed light on the deadliest cancers in the United States, we analyzed authoritative data from the American Cancer Society and The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. Our list, ranking the diseases in ascending order based on their estimated mortality rates for the current year, includes some of the most prevalent and devastating cancers, such as myeloma, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, kidney cancer, esophageal cancer, bladder cancer, brain and spine cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
These statistics and findings underscore the urgent need for continued research, development, and investment in the field of oncology. With the increasing prevalence and financial burden of cancer, it is crucial to prioritize prevention efforts, advance innovative treatments, and provide support to those affected by this devastating disease.
Disclaimer: The above should not be considered as investment advice. The article is for informational purposes only. Please do your research and consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.