Cancer Deaths Fall Slightly
MSNBC.com reports that data indicates cancer deaths fell for the first time since 1930 in 2003.
For the first time in more than 70 years, annual cancer deaths in the United States have fallen, a turning point in the war on cancer likely achieved by declines in smoking and better tumor detection and treatment.
The number of cancer deaths dropped to 556,902 in 2003, down from 557,271 the year before, according to a recently completed review of U.S. death certificates by the National Center for Health Statistics.
"Even though it's a small amount, it's an important milestone," said Dr. Michael Thun, who directs epidemiological research for the American Cancer Society.
There is much more to be done but as Dr. Thun said it is a milestone to see the numbers finally start to plateau and even recede slightly. The article also listed the deadliest cancers in 2003.
Lung: Men, 89,964; Women, 68,122
Colon, rectum: Men, 28,007; Women, 27,951
Breast: Men, 380; Women, 41,620
Prostate: Men, 29,554
Tags: cancer-deaths
| health
Posted on February 14, 2006
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