Cancer deaths have declined significantly over the past two decades, according to the latest annual report from the United States’ Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer. The overall death rate has fallen by an average of 1.7% per year for males and 1.3% per year for females.
However, some cancers, such as breast cancer in women and young generations, are seeing a gradual increase in cases, albeit with decreasing fatality rates. On the other hand, smoking-related cancers like lung, bladder, and larynx cancer have seen significant declines in new cases and fatalities.
The report attributes the progress to sustained declines in lung cancer and multiple breakthroughs in treatments for non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, increased access to healthcare due to the Affordable Care Act has contributed to this progress.
Another nationwide study found that between 1975 and 2020, nearly 6 million deaths from five common cancers were averted through prevention, screening, and improved treatments.
Despite this progress, experts warn that the burden of cancer is shifting towards women and younger adults. Cancer incidence rates in women under 50 are now 82% higher than their male counterparts, up from 51% in 2002.
Racial disparities also persist, with black women experiencing a 40% higher death rate from breast cancer compared to white women, despite a 42% decline in fatality rates since 1989. Experts emphasize the need to address these disparities and promote equal access to cancer care for all populations.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/death-rate-from-cancer-has-steadily-fallen-in-the-us-report-shows