Updated March 30, 2015.
For the first time in 70 years, cancer deaths have fallen in the U.S. In fact, this is the first decline in numbers since cancer death statistics have been gathered in 1930.
The report comes from the National Center for Health Statistics in Atlanta, which reviewed death certificates to gain the information. The report confirms that cancer deaths in 2003 were about 1,000 less than in 2002. Although the number seems small, researchers feel we will continue to see a decline in cancer deaths in the U.S.
So, why the slope? Experts say that tobacco use is down and cancer is being detected earlier. This may be attributed to better screening programs and people generally being more educated about cancer risk. It is especially encouraging because the U.S. has a growing and aging population. This may mean more cancer diagnosis, but the death rate is declining. It is evident that cancer treatment is becoming more effective.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 565,000 people will die from cancer in 2006. To ensure the cancer rate continues to decrease, there are a few things we can do such as practicing cancer prevention. Simple life changes such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can greatly reduce the risk factor for developing many types of cancer. Watching fat intake and maintaining an ideal weight are essential. Obesity is also a major risk factor.
Screening tests play an important role in cancer prevention and early detection. Women absolutely need to have regular Pap smears and mammograms, while men should be screened for prostate cancer.
Both men and women benefit from colon cancer screening.
The bottom line is to prevent cancer when we can and to find it early enough for it to be treatable. For more information on the report, please visit the American Cancer Society.
For the first time in 70 years, cancer deaths have fallen in the U.S. In fact, this is the first decline in numbers since cancer death statistics have been gathered in 1930.
The report comes from the National Center for Health Statistics in Atlanta, which reviewed death certificates to gain the information. The report confirms that cancer deaths in 2003 were about 1,000 less than in 2002. Although the number seems small, researchers feel we will continue to see a decline in cancer deaths in the U.S.
So, why the slope? Experts say that tobacco use is down and cancer is being detected earlier. This may be attributed to better screening programs and people generally being more educated about cancer risk. It is especially encouraging because the U.S. has a growing and aging population. This may mean more cancer diagnosis, but the death rate is declining. It is evident that cancer treatment is becoming more effective.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 565,000 people will die from cancer in 2006. To ensure the cancer rate continues to decrease, there are a few things we can do such as practicing cancer prevention. Simple life changes such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can greatly reduce the risk factor for developing many types of cancer. Watching fat intake and maintaining an ideal weight are essential. Obesity is also a major risk factor.
Screening tests play an important role in cancer prevention and early detection. Women absolutely need to have regular Pap smears and mammograms, while men should be screened for prostate cancer.
Both men and women benefit from colon cancer screening.
The bottom line is to prevent cancer when we can and to find it early enough for it to be treatable. For more information on the report, please visit the American Cancer Society.