The number of cancer deaths in the United States has seen modest declines in recent years. But Ben Smith, a professor of radiation oncology and the study's lead author, said it will be difficult to sustain that trend, given the changing population.

He warned that the current U.S. health care system appears not ready to accommodate such a surge in cancer cases, given the shortage of oncologists. "If we don't come to grips with this as a society, health care may be the next bubble to burst," he said.

The U.S. population is expected to grow by 19 percent by 2030. By that time, the study predicts, the number of seniors diagnosed with cancer will be the same as the total number of Americans currently diagnosed with cancer.

Some types of cancer expected to increase, such as liver, stomach and pancreas, still have tremendously high mortality rates, Smith said, calling for more inclusive clinical trials and better prevention strategies.

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Editor:Yang Jie