According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2014, there were 14.5 million people in the U.S. living beyond a cancer diagnosis; this number is expected to reach almost 19 million by 2024. In honor of these courageous individuals — and because June is cancer survivor awareness month — we pulled together some figures to help shine a light on the prevalence of cancer and the enormous financial (not to mention physical and psychological) toll it’s taking on patients, their families, our state and our country. In recent years, PSC has conducted a considerable amount of research on this disease and its devastating effects, which means it plays a profound role in both our personal and professional lives.
21,050
The approximate number of Michiganders who will die in 2017 from cancer — the leading cause of death among our state’s residents under the age of 80 (American Cancer Society)
57,600
The estimated number of new cancer cases that will occur in Michigan in 2017 (American Cancer Society)
5,650 and 8,190
The estimated number of deaths and new cases of lung and bronchus cancer in Michigan in 2017. It is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women (American Cancer Society)
8,160
The estimated number of new cases of breast cancer — the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women — in Michigan in 2017 (American Cancer Society)
5,350
The estimated number of new cases of prostate cancer — the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men — in Michigan in 2017 (American Cancer Society)
$5.5 billion and $9.1 billion
The estimated cost of cancer care and treatment in Michigan in 2010 and in 2020, meaning the financial burden to the state will nearly double in just 10 years (American Journal of Managed Care)
$10,000
The average monthly cost of newly approved cancer drugs — up from $4,500 per month just 10 years ago (U.S. News World Report)
$1.3 billion
The amount that is spent each year on cancer care in the nonelderly population that comes directly from patients themselves (HealthAffairs)
48, 37, 36 and 24
The percent of cancer patients in 2014 who put off vacations and social events, cut back on groceries, depleted their savings and borrowed against their retirement plans to pay for treatment (Cancer Today)
2.65 times greater
The probability that a cancer patient will go bankrupt compared to someone without cancer. People with lung cancer are at even higher risk; they were 3.8 times more likely to go bankrupt. (HealthAffairs)