Continuous decline in cancer death rates

Continuous decline in cancer death rates

According to a report by the National Cancer Institute the rate of cancer deaths in the US has dropped.

The report that comes out every two years says that even though the rate of Americans diagnosed with cancer has remained the same but the rate of those dying due to cancer has significantly declined. The situation for lung, breast, colorectal and prostrate cancers, the four most common types, also remains optimistic.

“The overall message of the report remains positive. The evidence that I have seen convinces me that we are poised to make dramatic gains against cancer in the near future,” said NCI Director Andrew C. von Eschenbach.

The number of new cases of cancer per thousand was 488.6 in 2002, a little more than the rate in 2001(488.1/1000). However the number per thousand of those dying of cancer in 2002 was 193.6, quite low as compared to 195.7 per thousand in 2001. The rates per thousand of the four common types of cancer have also gone down considerably. However it was observed that the death rate in women due to lung cancer had increased.

According to another six-monthly report of the Institute, more and more Americans are becoming enlightened about the threat of cancer and are trying to prevent it. People are careful about habits like smoking and drinking which increase the risk of cancer. In addition, the number of people going for cancer detection tests has remained high.

In the year 2003, as many as 69.7% of women above the age of 40 have undergone a mammogram, a screening test for breast cancer. Similarly the percentage of those having undergone a screening test for cervical cancer was as high as 79.2. The report however has expressed concern over the low figures for colorectal cancer screening.

The Institute also reported that the spending on treatment of cancer had risen.