Death rates from cancer continue to decline as per a new report by the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, the American Cancer Society, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Death rates fell for eleven of the fifteen most common cancers in men and for ten of the fifteen most common cancers in women. This might come as a surprise to a number of activists alleging a current "cancer epidemic." You would believe that a report bearing such good news would be all over the headlines, but unfortunately it isn't. Hypothetical cancer deaths from pesticides and other chemicals often receive more attention. See our publication America's War on "Carcinogens".

Deaths from cancer have been in decline for years. In fact, two years ago ACSH commented on a similar report issued by the American Cancer Society and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Rates of colorectal cancer, uterine cancer, stomach cancer, and cervical cancer all continued to fall in 2003, the report found. The fall in cancer deaths can be attributed to lower rates of smoking, better screening, and more effective therapys. Among men, lung cancer death rates have fallen, while they have risen among women, since smoking rates among men fell earlier. Smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable cancer deaths. See our publication on smoking cessation, Kicking Butts in the 21st Century.

Considering that Americans are living longer now than ever before -- increasing the possibility of being diagnosed with any type of cancer -- these reports should cast doubt on any so-called cancer epidemic.

By Molly Lee
Molly Lee is the Earhart Foundation Research Intern at the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH.org, HealthFactsAndFears.com).


Posted by: Andria    Source

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