Cancer Deaths Drop for Second Year in a Row
Thursday January 18, 2007
News from an American Cancer Society report suggests we are winning the war on cancer. Cancer deaths have dropped for the second straight year in the U.S, with 3,014 less cancer deaths in 2004 than in the previous year. The findings appear in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
One of the highlights of the report was the decline of cancer death from major types of cancer. Breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer deaths have all dropped. Colon cancer saw the largest decrease, with over 2,000 less people dying from than disease in 2004 than 2003.
A decline in male lung cancer death was reported, however lung cancer death in women is increasing. Lung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer death among men and women.
Unfortunately, cancer death from some types of cancer are on the rise. Liver cancer, esophageal cancer, and bile duct cancer death in men are increasing.
Getting screened for cancer should also be part of your health care routine. Pap smears, mammograms, colonoscopies, and prostate exams are all excellent means to screen for various types of cancer.
One of the highlights of the report was the decline of cancer death from major types of cancer. Breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer deaths have all dropped. Colon cancer saw the largest decrease, with over 2,000 less people dying from than disease in 2004 than 2003.
A decline in male lung cancer death was reported, however lung cancer death in women is increasing. Lung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer death among men and women.
Unfortunately, cancer death from some types of cancer are on the rise. Liver cancer, esophageal cancer, and bile duct cancer death in men are increasing.
Why the Increase?
Experts say the reason for the decline is a combination of factors. Less people are smoking and this is a major factor in death from cancer. In fact 30% of cancer deaths are caused by smoking. Also, more people are getting screened for cancer and treatment is occurring at earlier stages of cancer, which may increase the survival rate.What You Can Do to Prevent Cancer
There are many things people can do to reduce their risk of developing several types of cancer. Not smoking, getting regular exercise, and eating healthily are all excellent ways to reduce the risk of developing cancer. While not all types of cancer can be prevented, experts tell us that our lifestyle has a big impact on our health. (See more ways to prevent cancer)Getting screened for cancer should also be part of your health care routine. Pap smears, mammograms, colonoscopies, and prostate exams are all excellent means to screen for various types of cancer.
Comments
I am a wife, a mother, and a colon cancer patient. As an advocate with C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition, the work to end colorectal cancer has been intense. The news today that deaths from cancer, especially from colorectal cancer, are falling holds great promise. Reduced colorectal cancer deaths account for more than 2/3 of the total decline which is very likely due to increased screening that finds and removes colon polyps early before they ever have a chance to become cancer. Screening also aids in early detection of colon and rectal cancer, which is more than 90% curable when found early.
We can’t quit now.People need to know that colorectal cancer is not only beatable, it’s preventable. Everyone over the age of 50 should be screened for colorectal polyps or cancer. People with a family history of colon cancer or polyps, or anyone that is experiencing symptoms, needs to be checked earlier and more often. Talk to your doctor about your risk and decide on the best screening program for you!
Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable. We’re making progress, but still 154,000 Americans will be diagnosed with the disease in 2007 and over 52,000 will die.
The American Cancer Society estimates the overall number of cancer deaths in the USA dropped by about 3,000 from the prior year. This is indeed good news, HOWEVER, the drop only represents a decrease of 0.5%. The recorded death total was 553,000 as compared to 556,000. The bad news is that there are still far too many people dying from cancer and this type of news may lead to complacency so that volunteers and donations for research are harder to find.
According to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, “with every minute of 2006 two Americans were diagnosed with cancer and one died.” Think about that! In one day 1515 lost their lives to cancer. For the first time in 35 years governmental funding for cancer research decreased. We may be winning the battle…. BUT WE AREN’T WINNING THE WAR – yet!
Cancer rates in the US have risen from64 deaths per 100,000 in 1900 to 188.7 deaths per 100,000 people in 2005. US publlic health department.