| Photo by Maret Studzinski on Unsplash
Part III of “Cancer/Medical Moonshot–NA/ASEAN” Series
North America and ASEAN have more than a billion people combined. And major resources — both human and financial capabilities — to lead a new global war against cancer, the other top-ten major deadly diseases, while they prepare for new pandemics.
This series is renamed the North American/ASEAN Series. Because the suggested first phase of the war against cancer, et al., may be geared toward introducing high access to early detection and treatment in Mexico and the ASEAN, as found in the United States and Canada. The phases can be in 5-year increments.
Perhaps next year’s 165th anniversary of the great military victory of Mexicans of diverse backgrounds can inspire the said global war against cancer. Why? The inclusion of marginalized sectors of society, like the indigenous (Indio) ancestry and mestizo heritage, made up the “ragtag” army that won the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Why start on May 5, 2027? Because it will take at least a year to complete feasibility studies that will be approved by the said countries’ policymakers and decision-makers.
While specifically documented “Filipino-Indio” or Asian-Mexican soldiers are not highlighted in general historical accounts of the battle, the Mexican force was composed of a diverse mix of soldiers. The Mexican army consisted of roughly 4,000–5,000 soldiers, many of whom were local volunteers, indigenous people, and farmers armed with outdated weapons or farm tools. These forces were characterized as mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European descent) and indigenous that fought under General Ignacio Zaragoza. The composition of a “diverse mix” of medical professionals and support groups, especially from local socioeconomic activists, may prove crucial to winning battles in the war against cancer.
The population of Mexico in 2026 is estimated at approximately 132.8-133 million people. It ranks as the 11th most populous country in the world, with a median age of around 30 years and a population growth rate of roughly (0.8\%), contributing about (1.6\%) to the total global population.
As of 2026, over 18 million individuals in the United States (roughly 5.4% of the population) are living with a history of cancer, with projections suggesting this will exceed 22 million by 2030. Nearly one in 10 U.S. adults reports a lifetime cancer diagnosis. Additionally, over two million new cases are projected in the U.S. for 2026.
Here are Key Cancer Prevalence and Impact Data (U.S.) Survivorship: As of January 1, 2025, an estimated 18.6 million people in the U.S. are living with a history of cancer, reports the American Cancer Society (ACS). New Cases and Deaths: In 2026, approximately 2,114,850 new cancer cases and 626,140 cancer deaths are projected in the United States.
“As of 2026, over 18 million individuals in the United States (roughly 5.4% of the population) are living with a history of cancer, with projections suggesting this will exceed 22 million by 2030. Nearly one in 10 U.S. adults reports a lifetime cancer diagnosis.”
Household Impact: While a specific “household count” is hard to define due to varying household sizes, data showing one in 10 adults diagnosed implies that tens of millions of North American households are directly affected by a current or past cancer diagnosis
Long-Term Impact: More than half (53%) of cancer survivors were diagnosed within the past 10 years, meaning their households are actively managing care or follow-up.
The above data primarily represent the United States, as the source materials focused on the USCS (United States Cancer Statistics). The above data appear in the Cancer Atlas.
Cancer is the leading cause of premature death in North America. An estimated 2.1 million new cancer cases and 701,000 cancer deaths occur in North America each year. The region contributes almost twice the proportion of cases compared to deaths globally (13% versus 7%) in large part because of high access to early detection and treatment.
Cancer patterns are similar in the United States and Canada, reflecting a shared prevalence of risk factors. Incidence is low for infection-related cancers, almost half of which are attributable to human papillomavirus, and high for cancers associated with unhealthy behavioral factors like smoking, excess body fatness, and sedentary lifestyle. The most common cancers are breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal. More data can be found in this report.
