The landscape of cancer treatment has undergone significant transformations in the past two decades, with astonishing advancements leading to a one-third decrease in the likelihood of dying from the disease since 1990. Dr. Ned Sharpless, former Director of the National Cancer Institute, revealed that these advancements have averted 3.8 million cancer deaths in the same period.

Previously considered death sentences, many forms of cancer such as lung, skin, and breast are now treatable thanks to medical breakthroughs. Furthermore, even incurable diseases can be managed, allowing patients to live for several decades by switching to new treatments when needed.

Dr. Sharpless, the top cancer authority in the US, predicts that the situation will continue to improve in the coming years. In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, he painted a bright future for cancer patients, stating that within 25 years, the number of cancer-related deaths will be halved, aligning with President Biden's Moonshot plan to prevent over 4 million cancer deaths by 2047.

However, patients won't have to wait decades to benefit from these advancements. Dr. Sharpless anticipates that the next decade will bring even more remarkable drugs and innovations, extending the lives of millions more patients. He also advises taking reports on increasing cancer diagnoses in young adults and cancer-causing substances in food with caution, suggesting that they be taken with a "hefty grain of salt."

Immunotherapy, a new wave of drugs that turn off signals preventing the immune system from attacking tumors, has revolutionized cancer treatment. Dr. Sharpless highlights the tremendous progress achieved in the treatment of advanced melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer, which has gone from a five-year survival rate of only 10% twenty years ago to an expectation of curing most patients today.

Targeted therapies based on the specific genetic profile of cancer cells have also played a crucial role. Genetic testing has opened up a wider range of treatment options, leading to the successful treatment of previously hard-to-treat breast cancers, such as HER2-positive breast cancer.

Although lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer fatalities in the US, the decline in smoking rates and advancements in treatment have resulted in a rapid decline in both the incidence and death rates. Dr. Sharpless predicts a sharp decline in lung cancer cases in the next few decades if progress in tobacco control continues. Death rates have already decreased by 59% in men and 34% in women since 1990.

Regular screenings and new potent treatments have also contributed to the improved outlook for lung cancer patients. Early detection through screenings has become more widespread since 2013, benefiting those with a long history of smoking. Promising immunotherapies like Imfinzi have shown significant reductions in the risk of recurrence and disease progression for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

Despite recent concerns about rising cancer rates in young people, Dr. Sharpless urges caution and explains that the number of cases in patients under 40 is still relatively small compared to older adults. However, the incidence of colorectal cancer in young individuals has prompted the US Preventative Services Task Force to lower the recommended screening age from 50 to 45.

President Biden's Cancer Moonshot initiative aims to cut the cancer death rate by at least 50% over 25 years, preventing over four million expected cancer-related deaths. Dr. Sharpless acknowledges that this goal is ambitious but believes it is realistic given the remarkable progress in biomedical research.

The future looks promising for cancer treatment and prevention, with substantial declines in cancer mortality predicted in the next decade. The combined efforts of increased awareness, improved treatments, and lifestyle changes continue to drive the fight against cancer, providing hope for millions of patients and their families.