Cancer Cancer Basics

Cancer Deaths on the Decline

For the second year in a row, cancer deaths have dropped, indicating that previous year’s slide was no fluke—we finally seem to be winning the war on cancer.

In 2004, there were 552,888 deaths from cancer, 3,014 fewer than in 2003, an improvement on the decline of 369 deaths between the years 2002 and 2003, says the American Cancer Society. This previous decline was notable, but experts were cautious because they believed that a small decline could just be a temporary blip. However, with this downward trend continuing for another year, most believe it is only the beginning of a long-term decline.

“It really is great news,” said Dr. Elizabeth Ward, spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. “We have hit a milestone.”

Colorectal cancer, which is the third most common form of cancer, has seen the largest decline in deaths, dropping by 1,110 in men and 1,094 in women between the years 2003 and 2004. This is likely due to the increased interest in screening for this deadly form of cancer.

In fact, experts believe that much of the decline in cancer deaths is due to increased screening efforts and reduced used of tobacco products.

“It’s a combination of factors,” said Ward. “But we have seen some of the biggest reductions in tobacco-related cancers and those cancers we can screen for.”

While the number of breast cancer cases have remained mostly stable, deaths from breast cancer have been dropping steadily since 1990, mostly because more women are aware of the importance of an annual mammogram.

And while lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths, fewer men are getting and dying from this cancer, while incidence and death rates have leveled off for women. Ward owes this downward trend to a recent decline in tobacco use.

Stick to Screening
All of these statistics point to increased awareness and screening for most forms of cancer. However, many American are still skipping on recommended screenings for many types of diseases, especially cancer.

In a report issued by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), researchers found that only 52 percent of adults are going for their routine colorectal screening. Current recommendations state that all adults should get their first colonoscopy at age 50, and follow up every 10 years based on their risk. Those with a family history of the disease or at increased risk for other reasons should probably begin screening earlier.

The fact that colon cancer rates have dropped the most, only further indicates the importance of this screening.

That’s why, Ward believes, there is room for death rates to drop even more. She advises all patients to go for routine cancer screening. Health professionals, too, need to educate their patients about the importance of these measures. When caught early, cancer tends to be much easier to treat and can possibly just be removed without additional treatment.

Also, if you smoke or use tobacco products, stop. Lung cancer is still the most common cancer death and is largely preventable if people avoid smoking.

“I think that the favorable trends in cancer death rates will continue,” said Ward. People need to take advantage of screening tests, be aware of early cancer warning signs and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.”

“The message is clear: Much more can be done to prevent illness from occurring or progressing,” said Dr. Carolyn Clancy, director of AHRQ in a press release.