Cancer rates in the United States are slowly declining, and survival rates continue to improve. The rate of cancer incidence has remained fairly steady since 1993, but death rates have decreased more than one percent each year. According to the American Cancer Society, this is largely due to better methods of preventing, finding, and treating the disease.
Annual Report Positive
The American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Cancer Institute, and the North American Association for Central Cancer Registries pool their data to provide an Annual Report to the Nation.
In their report, cancer incidence rates among men increased for melanoma of the skin and cancers of the prostate, kidney and renal pelvis (kidney), and esophagus, but decreased for cancers of the lung and bronchus, colon and rectum, oral cavity and pharynx, stomach, and larynx.
Among women, cancer incidence rates increased for leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, melanoma, and cancers of the breast, thyroid, urinary bladder, and kidney. The cancer incidence rates decreased for cancers of the colon and rectum, ovary, cervix uteri, oral cavity, and stomach.
Overall Death Rates Declining
Death rates from all cancers combined have been decreasing since the early 1990s. Twelve of the most deadly 15 cancers in men and nine of the most deadly 15 cancers in women have shown decreased death rates. The most common cancers are still the most deadly, regardless of gender. Lung cancer tops the list.
Summary
Cancer rates are in decline, survival rates are improving, and research is making progress. Regular medical exams, early detection, and good lifestyle choices are your best chances for a long healthy life. |
