The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has earmarked $15 million over five years for new research into the physical and emotional well-being of cancer survivors who are alive five or more years after diagnosis. This is in addition to $20 million already earmarked by the NCI for survivorship-related studies.

Advances in prevention, early detection, and treatment--the payoff from decades of research--all contribute to improved survival rates for most major cancers. As a result, eight million Americans are living with a history of cancer.

Recent survivorship milestones:

• The five year survival rate for children with cancer improved from 65 percent in the early 1980's to 74 percent in the early 1990's.

• The five year survival rate for all cancers improved from 51 percent in the early 1980's to almost 60 percent in the early 1990's.

National Institute of Health
National Cancer Institute
September 30, 1998