Cancer survival rates climb as research, treatment advance, American Cancer Society says

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- According to the American Cancer Society, people with cancer are living longer than ever before.

The organization credited large advancements in cancer research.

"This is one of those milestone reports that the ACS puts out in telling us that 70% of patients with any cancer are living to five years now," Dr. Kevin Breen, with Norton Healthcare, said. "That's increased from 50%, say, 50 years ago, meaning we've really moved the needle on survival and cancer is no longer the death sentence it once might have been."

In Louisville, the Norton Cancer Institute is doing trials with radiation therapy, head and neck surgeons are doing robotic surgeries, and there is advanced immunotherapy.

Despite these advancements, doctors said mammograms, colonoscopies and CT scans for those who smoke are still important. They encourage people to talk with their health care provider on when it's appropriate for them to start getting these screenings.

Yum! Brands plans $12 million renovation of downtown Louisville office tower

LMPD Officer Nick Wilt taking medical retirement nearly 3 years after Louisville bank shooting

Southern Indiana man found guilty of killing wife on Valentine's Day 2025