Cancer Statistics
Cancer Death Rate Declines Nationally
A new reportfrom the nation's leading cancer organizations shows cancer death rates decreased an average 2.1% per year from 2002-2004, nearly twice the annual decrease from 1993-2002. Death rates decreased for the majority of the top 15 cancers. "The significant decline in cancer death rates demonstrates important progress in the fight against cancer that has been achieved through effective tobacco control, screening, early detection and appropriate treatment," said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Julie Gerberding, M.D. "As a nation, we must commit to continuing and enhancing these important public health efforts."
The study was conducted by the CDC, National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society, in collaboration with the Indian Health Service and Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.