In 1971, the National Cancer Act set the United States on a path to confront one of its most formidable public health challenges. More than five decades later, the progress is undeniable. The latest 2026 report from the American Cancer Society shows continued declines in overall cancer mortality and improvements in survival for many major cancer types. Recent advances in early detection, prevention, and treatment are saving lives.
I performed my first colonoscopy as a board-certified gastroenterologist more than 20 years ago, at a time when the procedure was firmly established as the “gold standard” for colorectal cancer screening.
