Behind the Numbers: Rising Cancer Rates Among Women

Authored by Sheena Jain, MD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Executive Director, Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson at Cooper 

Every statistic tells a story; the latest data from the American Cancer Society (ACS) is no different. According to the ACS’ Cancer Facts & Figures 2025, the risk of developing cancer varies considerably by age and by gender. 

Below are a few observations, signaling a rise in cancer rates and other concerning trends among women:  

• Cancer incidence rates have generally declined in men but risen in women. Incidence rates in women continue to increase for common cancers including breast, endometrial, and oral cancers associated with human papillomavirus (or HPV).
• Cancer rates in women aged 50-64 have surpassed those in men. Middle-aged women now have a slightly higher risk of developing cancer than their male counterparts.
• Cancer rates in younger women (<50 years) are 82% higher than in males. Women younger than age 50 are almost twice as likely to develop cancer than men in this same age range.
• New diagnoses of cervical cancer in women aged 30-44 have increased.  
• Lung cancer incidence in women younger than 65 surpassed men for the first time in 2021.

Despite these findings, there continues to be significant advancements made in cancer care, contributing to an overall reduction in deaths. From 1991-2022, the overall cancer death rate declined 34%, preventing approximately 4.5 million deaths. This is in large part due to fewer people smoking, earlier detection with screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies, and advances in cancer treatment.

“There's no better time than now for women to take charge of their health,” according to Sheena Jain, MD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Executive Director, Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. “With knowledge comes the power of prevention; and so, we must encourage our families and friends to understand the life-saving value of early detection and health screenings.”

Start by scheduling regular check-ups with your primary care provider and gynecologist. Be sure to go for yearly mammograms starting at age 40, and talk to your primary care provider about scheduling a colonoscopy. 

“Knowing your family’s cancer history and meeting with a genetic counselor is also recommended; knowing your own risks helps you to make informed decisions. Adopting healthy habits can also play a significant role in supporting your overall wellness,” continues Dr. Jain.

Regular check-ups make sure that women stay on track with important screenings like mammograms and Pap smears. These visits also help detect changes in your body, often before symptoms appear, when treatment works best. Vaccinations such as the HPV vaccine add another layer of protection by targeting preventable cancer risks and can help prevent certain cancers like cervical cancer or head and neck cancer.

Staying informed, keeping up with routine exams, and openly discussing concerns with your health care provider allows you to prioritize your well-being and safeguard your overall health. 

Useful Resources:

Visit the following ACS website links to learn more about the cancers increasingly affecting women: 

• Breast Cancer: Recommendations for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Cervical Cancer
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Cancers Linked with HPV, How to Protect Against HPV, HPV Testing, and More
• Lung Cancer: Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Lung Cancer; Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention, and More
• Endometrial Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention of Endometrial Cancer; Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging; Treating Endometrial Cancer
• Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer: Key Statistics and What’s New in Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Research 

Looking for a provider? 

Call our Information and Physician Referral Service at 1-800-818-4747 or visit the links below to find a Redeemer Health specialist: 

• Primary Care
• Gynecology/Women's Health
• Genetic Counseling 

Advanced Cancer Care, Close to Home 

Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper takes a multi-disciplinary disease-site specific approach to cancer care, where experts work together to provide each patient with personalized care from diagnosis to treatment, recovery and beyond. To learn more call 215-938-3555 or visit RedeemerHealth.org/MDAndersonatCooper    

About the Author 

As Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Executive Director, Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson at Cooper, Dr. Sheena Jain works closely with a team of radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, and other professionals to provide personalized, compassionate care and support to patients. Dr. Jain earned her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed residency training in radiation oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She is board certified in radiation oncology.