We’re Number One. Again!

A new study of cancer survival on five continents lays to rest the theory that Americans fare poorly compared to other developed countries.  The study, published in the August edition of Lancet Oncology, was consistent with a previous Lancet study published last September.

Cancer survival varies widely across the developed world and within the United States. However, in almost every category Americans survive cancer at higher rates than patients in other developed countries.  American cancer patients have a higher survival rate for every major form of cancer than patients in Canada and Britain-two English-speaking countries with which the U.S. is often compared. For example, American women have a 35 percent better chance of surviving colon cancer than British women. American men have an 80 percent better survival rate from prostate cancer.  American survival rates are also better (except for female rectal cancer) than survival rates in France (Michael Moore's country of choice).  American survival rates are also higher in every category than Norway (another country that often attracts comparison), including a 46 percent better survival rate from prostate cancer.

Relative Cancer Survival

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