Research reference
Cancer financial hardship statistics: U.S. facts for 2026
Cancer affects more than treatment. These current statistics put the size of the challenge, and the financial pressure many households face, in clear context. Each figure links to its original source.
Last updated October 16, 2026
At a glance
A growing need for practical support
Push for Cancer helps people and families manage the everyday pressure around cancer. This page is a public reference for writers, advocates, and community partners who need credible U.S. figures on cancer, survivorship, and financial hardship.
2,114,850
Estimated new cancer cases in the U.S. in 2026
The American Cancer Society’s current estimate is about 5,790 new cases each day.
Source: American Cancer Society, 2026 ↗626,140
Estimated cancer deaths in the U.S. in 2026
That is an estimate of about 1,720 deaths each day, according to the American Cancer Society.
Source: American Cancer Society, 2026 ↗18.6 million
People living after a cancer diagnosis in the U.S.
This is the National Cancer Institute’s estimate as of May 2025, representing about 5.4% of the U.S. population.
Source: National Cancer Institute, 2025 ↗22.4 million
Projected cancer survivors in the U.S. by 2035
The National Cancer Institute projects a continued rise in the number of people living after a cancer diagnosis.
Source: National Cancer Institute projection ↗33% to 80%
Range of survivors who used savings for medical expenses
Across the studies reviewed by the National Cancer Institute, 2% to 34% of survivors had borrowed money for care or had medical debt.
Source: National Cancer Institute evidence review ↗More than $21 billion
Annual direct costs borne by U.S. cancer patients
A National Cancer Institute analysis reported this figure for direct patient costs, including out-of-pocket costs and patient time.
Source: National Cancer Institute analysis ↗What the data means
Financial hardship can reach far beyond medical bills.
The National Cancer Institute uses the term “financial toxicity” for the financial harm connected to medical care. It can include out-of-pocket costs, lost income, debt, trouble paying for food or housing, and the stress of trying to hold a household together.
Statistics describe a national picture. They do not predict what any one person or family will experience. For households navigating cancer now, practical support can still make the next step more manageable.
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How to use these figures
We selected nationally relevant figures from the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute. Each statistic is linked to the source that reports it. Estimates, projections, and study ranges are labeled as such because they measure different things and should not be treated as interchangeable.
- American Cancer Society Cancer Statistics Center, 2026 estimates
- National Cancer Institute, survivorship statistics and projections
- National Cancer Institute, financial toxicity evidence review
- National Cancer Institute, direct patient cost analysis
Cite this page
Push for Cancer. “Cancer Financial Hardship Statistics: U.S. Facts for 2026.” Updated October 16, 2026. Available at https://pushforcancer.org/cancer-financial-hardship-statistics.