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Recent advances in cancer treatment, diagnosis and
prevention beg the question: Are cancer death rates decreasing? The answer from
2016 cancer statistics: yes. Deaths from cancer declined 23% between 1991
and 2012 in the United States, according to a 2016 report from the American Cancer
Society. The decline represents 1.7 million lives saved. These six cancers in
particular have seen their mortality rates declining, for a variety of reasons.
1. Lung Cancer
For most of the 20th century, lung cancer deaths fueled
overall cancer death rates. Today, greater awareness of the link between
smoking and lung cancer—coupled with more people quitting—has been a key
contributor to a decrease in lung cancer death rates. Between 1990 and 2012,
the lung cancer death rate dropped 38% in men. The lung cancer death rate
dropped 13% in women between 2002 and 2010.
2. Colon Cancer
The number of new cases of colon cancer declined by 3% each
year between 2003 and 2012, as did the colon cancer death rate. Experts credit
this improvement to the adoption of the colonoscopy screening test to detect
colon cancer early (sometimes even before pre-cancerous growths become
cancerous). The percentage of adults aged 50 to 75 years undergoing colonoscopy
screening jumped from 19% in 2000 to 55% in 2013. The decline may also be due
to the availability of more effective medical and surgical treatments, along
with the promotion of healthy diet and exercise, according to research
published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
3. Stomach Cancer
In the 1930s, stomach cancer represented 30% of cancer
deaths in men and 20% in women. Fast forward to 2012, when stomach cancer rates
had declined to approximately 2% for both men and women. The reasons for the
decline aren’t as clear as for other types of cancers. Some researchers believe
better hygiene, along with diets lower in salt and higher in fresh fruits and
vegetables, have had an impact.
4. Prostate Cancer
The rate of death from prostate cancer is down 50% from its
highest rate. The number of new prostate cancer cases has also dropped
drastically, accounting for a 50% reduction in all new cancer cases in men. It
is important to note, however, that the decline in new cases is largely due to
previous overdiagnosis of prostate cancer where it didn’t exist. This was
driven by increased screening through prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests.
Because of past overdiagnosis, medical organizations vary in their
recommendations about routine PSA screening. Talk to your doctor about your
individual risk factors so you can work together to make an informed decision.
5. Uterine Cancer
In the early 20th century, uterine cancer, including
cervical cancer, was the leading cause of cancer death in women. Between 1930
and 2012, the overall rate of death from uterine cancer declined by more than
80%. Experts credit cervical cancer screening tests for prevention and early
detection.
6. Breast Cancer
The rate of death from breast cancer in women has declined
by 36% from peak rates, due largely to early diagnosis and treatment. Significant
declines in breast cancer mortality have been seen across all age groups from
1987-1989 to 2011-2013, according to a recent study by the American Association
for Cancer Research:
-
31% decline in women 70 and older
-
44% decline in women 50 to 69 50% decline in
women under 50
The declining rates of new cancer cases and decreasing deaths
from cancer are closely related to preventive lifestyle changes, screening
tests, and effective treatment options. Talk with your doctor about your cancer
risks and steps you can take to help reduce them.
