2.1 Million Americans Will Be Diagnosed With Cancer in 2026 — These 8 Types Are the Most Deadly
About 2.1 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026, and about 626,000 will die as a result. While several forms of cancer have low mortality rates — like skin and thyroid cancer — others are far more fatal.
The National Institutes of Health shares cancer diagnosis and fatality data, sourced from the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures 2026. The following are estimated to be the most deadly cancers in the U.S. in 2026, according to that data.
1. Lung and bronchus cancer
Estimated number of U.S. deaths attributed to this type of cancer in 2026:
- Total: 124,990
- Among women: 61,950
- Among men: 63,040
Lung cancers typically start in the cells lining the bronchi — tubes that carry air into your lungs — or bronchioles or alveoli, which are the smallest airways. Although they are projected to make up 11% of new cancer cases in 2026, they stand to account for 20% of cancer-related deaths.
Women are more likely to get diagnosed in the earlier stages of lung cancer than men and have a higher survival rate with both early- and late-stage diagnoses, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Health.
2. Colorectal cancer
Estimated number of U.S. deaths attributed to this type of cancer in 2026:
- Total: 55,230
- Among women: 25,120
- Among men: 30,110
Colorectal cancer can begin in the colon or the rectum and starts as a growth — also called a polyp — on the inner lining of tissue. Polyps are relatively common, though, and aren’t always cancerous.
Being overweight, having type 2 diabetes, smoking and alcohol use are all risk factors for developing colorectal cancer.
3. Pancreatic cancer
Estimated number of U.S. deaths attributed to this type of cancer in 2026:
- Total: 52,740
- Among women: 25,510
- Among men: 27,230
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer and begins when exocrine cells in the pancreas grow out of control. Exocrine cells are responsible for the release of digestive enzymes.
Being overweight, having diabetes, certain chemical exposure and chronic pancreatitis are risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer.
4. Breast cancer
Estimated number of U.S. deaths attributed to this type of cancer in 2026:
- Total: 42,670
- Among women: 42,140
- Among men: 530
Several kinds of breast cancer can occur within the three parts of the breast: lobules (milk-producing glands), ducts (which transport milk to the nipple), and connective tissue. The most common type is invasive ductal carcinoma, which makes up 70% to 80% of cases. Someone with this type of cancer may feel a lump in the breast or underarm.
Age, family history and having denser breasts are a few risk factors for developing breast cancer.
5. Prostate cancer
Estimated number of U.S. deaths attributed to this type of cancer in 2026:
- Total: 36,320
- Among women: N/A
- Among men: 36,320
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men, aside from skin cancer. Most cases are classified as adenocarcinomas and develop from the prostate’s gland cells.
Aging is a major risk factor, as about 6 in 10 prostate cancers are found in men older than 65. Race and ethnicity are also important factors since prostate cancer is more common in African American men and in Caribbean men of African ancestry.
6. Liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer
Estimated number of U.S. deaths attributed to this type of cancer in 2026:
- Total: 30,980
- Among women: 11,330
- Among men: 19,650
Cancer that starts in the liver is called primary liver cancer, and the most common form in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma. It’s the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Cholangiocarcinoma is cancer that forms in bile ducts, the tubes that connect the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine.
7. Leukemia
- Total: 23,910
- Among women: 10,010
- Among men: 13,900
Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells and the most common blood cancer. It starts in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones where blood cells form, and it can cause abnormalities in white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets.
8. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Total: 19,970
- Among women: 8,260
- Among men: 11,710
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is a network of nodes, vessels and organs that helps your body fight infection. It starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes, usually the B cells or T cells that normally target invaders.
Common signs include swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin, night sweats, fever and unexplained weight loss. Risk increases with age, a family history and a weakened immune system.
