America is making strides in its ongoing battle against cancer, but much work needs to be done. The latest numbers show a decline in the overall cancer death rate between the years of 2002 and 2011, but progress is not marked in regard to a number of specific types of the disease. The findings were published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institution and show that cancer deaths fell about 1.8 percent a year for men between the years of 2002 and 2011. For women, they fell about 1.4 percent yearly during that time. Progress in children’s cancers was also made with a decline in deaths pegged at roughly 2 percent year.
While gains are being made, researchers note that cancer is far from eradicated. And, as many types of cancer decline in diagnosis rates, others are seeing their numbers climb. Cancers such as mouth, throat and kidney are all seeing greater incidence rates. As for the decline in overall deaths, researchers point to several reasons why the movement is heading in the right direction:
• Early detection – Aggressive campaigns to get people in for early screening while better understanding of risk factors may be helping bring the numbers down. This factor sheds light on the importance for people to carefully discuss their cancer risks with their healthcare professionals and make sure to work early detection tests into their routines should they be recommended.
• Aggressive treatment – With early detection comes the ability for doctors to more aggressively treat cancer when it is in a beginning phase. Many forms of cancer can be successfully eradiated when caught early.
While deaths are down from cancer, the fight against the disease continues. People can help lower these numbers even more by making sure to understand their personal risks and take steps to lower them once they are identified. In addition, going in for early screening tests, such as mammograms, can be critical for further lowering mortality rates.
