Why Death Rates Are Declining for Many Types of Cancer

Cancer remains the second-leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC, overshadowed only by heart disease. We lose nearly 600,000 people each year to this mysterious and devastating cluster of diseases. 

But there may be hope on the horizon as, despite the high figure, cancer deaths have been on a steady decline. We have a few different shifts to thank for the positive turn, which could be part of an even greater trend. Let's take a moment to cheer ourselves on.

Positive Cancer Trends

Each year, the American Cancer Society publishes an updated report that covers its most recent statistics. The publication shows trends in diagnoses, treatments and death rates, which experts can use to determine future treatment directions and improve patient outcomes.

Reports from recent years have revealed exciting trends, with several types of cancers killing fewer people, on average, compared to previous decades. The greatest improvements have occurred in some of the highest offenders:

• Lung cancer has seen the most drop in fatalities, with fewer tobacco smokers likely contributing to the difference. Death rates for males dropped a whopping 54% between 1990 and 2018. Females saw a 30% decline in lung cancer deaths since 2002.
• Colorectal cancer deaths have been steadily lowering since around 2008, except for cases in younger patients, who are less likely to undergo screening. Early detection and larger numbers of precancerous polyp removals have drastically improved survival rates. 
• Breast cancer is responsible for nearly one-third of new cancer diagnoses in females; however, thanks to early detection and innovative treatments, the 5-year survival rate is 90%.
• Prostate cancer currently has one of the highest 5-year survival rates at 95% due to high screening compliance and early detection numbers.

See? We're doing great, aren't we? This is all fantastic news.

Let's Stay on Track

Cancer can strike anyone, anywhere, which means no one is safe from its reach. Even among the highest risk groups, taking appropriate action in a timely way may mean the difference between life and death.

We can improve our chances by taking charge of the factors we know are in our control: prevention and early detection. Lower overall cancer risks by tackling the biggest preventable causes:

• Smoking is the direct cause of about 19% of all cancers.
• Excess body weight, combined with alcohol use and a sedentary lifestyle, accounts for another 18% of the total.
• Infectious causes, such as HPV, H. pylori and Hepatitis B and C, account for many unnecessary deaths.
• Excessive sunlight exposure contributes to about 5 million new skin cancer diagnoses each year.

Each factor we’re able to eliminate is one step closer to prevention. And the good news is, we're getting good at it. Combined with regular screenings, we can improve our odds of survival and further reduce the overall stats.

Cancer continues to devastate too many lives, but we’ve stepped up our game, and it shows. We can make a difference and save lives, but the effort needs to be a collective one. Lowering cancer-related death is one trend that’s definitely worth being a part of, so take a moment to feel glad, and let's keep it up, everyone. And, hey, good job.

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