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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – PHILADELPHIA – Incidence and death rates for all cancers combined continue to steadily decline, according to data released today in the “Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2006.” On average, new diagnoses for all types of cancer combined decreased almost one percent per year from 1999 to 2006. From 2001 to 2006, cancer deaths decreased 1.6 percent.
Most notably, incidence and death rates of colorectal cancer, one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the country, dropped significantly in both men and women in recent years as a result of changes in risk factors, screening and treatment methods.
“It is encouraging to see that the nation’s investment in the fight against cancer continues to pay off through a steady reduction in the cancer burden, especially in colorectal cancer which takes such a huge toll in terms of human life and suffering,” said Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.), chief executive officer of the American Association for Cancer Research. “The report indicates that we are seeing positive results from screening efforts for this disease, which is a very positive message for the public and their physicians. At the same time, we need to be aware of the potential increases in cancer incidence that we could see in the future as a result of aging, obesity, diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption and other risk factors.”
The report indicates that, despite progress against many cancers, incidence rates continue to rise among men for kidney/renal, liver and esophageal cancer, as well as for leukemia, myeloma and melanoma. For women, incidence of lung, thyroid, pancreatic, bladder and kidney cancers, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, melanoma and leukemia have all increased as well.
“We’re witnessing the positive impact of the nation’s investment on cancer, and now we have the opportunity to tackle those cancers that have proven to be more intractable. The report provides solid evidence that research does yield substantial benefits for public health, but it also emphasizes the need for more work to prevent, detect and treat cancer.
“Thanks also to the recent revitalization of cancer and biomedical research stimulated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), promising research opportunities now abound and it is crucial that they not be lost,” emphasized Dr. Foti. “A continued commitment to the conquest of cancer through sustained leadership and resources is essential to accelerate further breakthroughs in understanding, preventing, treating and curing cancer.”
The “Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2006,” is an annual collaboration between the American Cancer Society, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR).
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