May is Cancer Survivor Month. We honor the strength, resilience, and courage of cancer survivors around the world. We also recognize the vital role of families, healthcare providers, and support networks who stand by survivors every step of the way. 

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. (1) According to the WHO, the most common cancers in 2020 (in terms of new cases) were: 

The most common causes of cancer death in 2020 were: 

Notice the significant difference between the number of diagnosed cases and deaths. Many cancers are diagnosed early enough to be treated effectively with surgery or radiation. The use of tumor biomarkers has become crucial in cancer diagnosis and management. These biomarkers can be measured in various body fluids, such as blood, urine, and pleural or peritoneal effusions, using different techniques. The early detection and treatment of cancer facilitated by these methods have significantly contributed to the reduction in cancer mortality.   

This Cancer Survivor Month, as we celebrate the lives and journeys of survivors, we also emphasize the importance of early detection and innovative treatments. Together, we can continue to reduce cancer mortality and improve the quality of life for those affected by this disease. Many malignancies have one or more tumor biomarkers that are routinely measured in the course of diagnosing, managing, and monitoring for recurrence of the neoplasm. The following table highlights several key tumor biomarkers, their associated cancers, the fluids in which they are tested, their primary functions, and their common clinical uses: