Cancer death rates decline yet new diagnoses spike for some groups, says report

Alcohol consumption has long been linked to various health risks, including an increased risk of developing cancer. Dr. Nicole Saphier recently joined ‘America’s Newsroom’ to discuss the surgeon general’s push for cancer warning labels on alcohol and the CDC’s warning of norovirus cases surging in parts of the U.S. A major annual cancer report has shed light on both positive and concerning trends in cancer diagnoses.

According to the American Cancer Society’s annual cancer trends report published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, cancer diagnoses are expected to exceed two million in 2025, with approximately 618,120 deaths predicted. While there has been a decline in cancer mortality rates, certain groups are experiencing a spike in diagnoses, particularly among young and middle-aged women. Lead author Rebecca Siegel highlighted the progress made in reducing cancer mortality rates due to factors such as smoking cessation, improved treatment, and early detection.

Despite the overall decline in death rates, the report revealed an increase in diagnoses for cancers of the oral cavity, pancreas, uterine corpus, and liver among females. Additionally, certain common cancers, such as breast, prostate, pancreatic, uterine corpus, melanoma, liver, and oral cancers associated with HPV, have seen an uptick in diagnoses. Women aged 50 to 64 now have higher cancer rates than men, with rates for women under 50 being 82% higher than males in the same age group.

The report also highlighted disparities in cancer rates among different ethnic groups, with Native American and Black individuals experiencing higher rates of certain cancer types. Furthermore, the report discussed the concerning trend of increasing cancer diagnoses among individuals under 50, including colorectal cancer in men and women under 65 and cervical cancer in women aged 30 to 44.

Pancreatic cancer remains a growing concern, being the third-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Rates of diagnoses and deaths from pancreatic cancer are on the rise, emphasizing the need for early detection to improve outcomes. Dr. John D. Carpten emphasized the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including the community, healthcare system, researchers, government, and industry, to continue making progress in fighting cancer.

In conclusion, the annual cancer trends report underscores the need for increased investment in cancer treatment, care, and equitable screening programs. Addressing the shifts in cancer incidence, particularly among women, requires a concerted effort from healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities to identify and address the reasons behind rising mortality rates. By working together, we can strive towards reducing cancer rates and ultimately increasing cures for this devastating disease.