National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Institutes of Health | www.cancer.gov

NCI Home
Cancer Topics
Clinical Trials
Cancer Statistics
Research & Funding
News
About NCI
Glossary of Cancer Statistics



Glossary of Cancer Statistics






Incidence






Mortality






Survival






Prevalence






Lifetime Risk



Page Options
Print This Page
Print This Document
View Entire Document
E-Mail This Document
Quick Links
Director's Corner

Dictionary of Cancer Terms

NCI Drug Dictionary

Funding Opportunities

NCI Publications

Advisory Boards and Groups

Science Serving People

Español
NCI Highlights
Report Finds Cancer Death Rate Decline Doubling

NCI Launches Community Cancer Centers Pilot

Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2005

Cancer Trends Progress Report: 2007 Update

Past Highlights
Glossary of Cancer Statistics

Below you will find a brief description of the different types of cancer statistics. For more detailed definitions, please use the section tabs to go to the specific statistic.

  • Incidence is the number of newly diagnosed cases during a specific time period
  • Mortality is the number of deaths during a specific time period
  • Survival is the proportion of patients alive at some point subsequent to the diagnosis of their cancer
  • Prevalence is new and pre-existing cases for people alive on a certain date
  • Lifetime Risk is the probability of developing or dying of cancer

Back to Top

Next Section >


A Service of the National Cancer Institute
Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health USA.gov