The number of U.S. cancer deaths declined in 2003 compared to the year before, the first time a drop in cancer deaths has occurred since data collection began in 1930, according to a new report released this week.
In releasing the report, called "Cancer Facts and Figures 2006," the American Cancer Society (ACS) said that advances in prevention, early detection, and treatment have contributed to the lower number of deaths. The decline has occurred despite demographic trends that should contribute to higher overall cancer deaths, such as a larger and aging U.S. population.
The number of recorded cancer deaths in 2003 was 556,902, compared to 557,271 in 2002. Cancer deaths decreased by 778 in men but rose 409 in women, for a net decline of 369 total cancer deaths. The report is based on data from the National Center for Health Statistics.
The drop matches a decline in the cancer death rate that began in 1991, according to the ACS. Death rates adjust for the size and age of the U.S. population, and it wasn't until 2003 that the declining death rate was large enough to outpace the growth and aging of the population to produce an actual decline in the total number of deaths, the society said.
The society stated that in 2006, there will be an estimated 1.4 million new cancer cases and 565,000 deaths from cancer in the U.S. Other estimated statistics for 2006 include:
Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer death in the U.S., but its incidence and death rates are declining. An estimated 174,000 new cases and 162,000 deaths are expected this year.
Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. While the incidence of breast cancer is rising, death rates are falling. An estimated 213,000 new cases and 41,000 deaths are expected this year.
Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Death rates have dropped since the early 1990s, but death rates among African-American men are twice as high as rates in white men. An estimated 234,000 new cases and 27,000 deaths are expected this year.
Colon and rectal cancer combined are the third most common cancer in men and women. Incidence rates decreased 1.8% per year from 1998-2002, partly due to an increase in screening exams and polyp removal, the ACS said. An estimated 149,000 new cases are expected in 2006.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
February 10, 2006
Copyright © 2006 AuntMinnie.com
