Surprising cancer data revealed in new report

The annual cancer statistics report from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) published in the journal Cancer on April 21 shows some positive signs in America’s battle against the disease. Overall, rates of new cancer diagnoses and cancer-related deaths have decreased, indicating progress in the fight against cancer.

According to the report, between 2018 and 2022, cancer death rates have declined by 1.7% each year for men and 1.3% for women. Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, attributes this decline to factors such as better screening, early intervention, more advanced surgical approaches, and improved targeted therapies.

Smoking-related cancers, including lung, bladder, and larynx cancer, saw significant declines in new cases and deaths. This decrease is likely due to reduced tobacco use and changes in screening recommendations. Lung and bronchus cancer had the most significant decline in deaths, falling by 4.5% each year between 2018 and 2022.

For men, mortality rates decreased for 12 common cancer types, including prostate, liver and intrahepatic bile duct, and kidney and renal pelvis cancer. However, death rates increased for cancers of the pancreas, bones and joints, oral cavity and pharynx, and non-melanoma skin cancer during this period.

Among women, 14 common cancers showed reduced death rates, with lung and bronchus cancer seeing the most significant decline at 3.4% annually between 2018 and 2022. Breast cancer death rates fell by 42% from their peak in 1989, thanks to advancements in treatment and screening.

Among children, cancer death rates fell by 1.5% per year between 2001 and 2022, while cancer-related mortality in teens and young adults decreased by 2.9% per year from 2001 to 2005 and 1% per year from 2005 to 2020.

New cancer diagnoses in men decreased between 2017 and 2021 for various cancer types, with lung and bronchus cancer showing the most significant decline at 3.4% per year. Prostate cancer had the sharpest increase in new cases, rising by 2.9% per year.

For women, new cancer cases rose by 0.3% per year between 2003 and 2021. Stomach cancer cases were the fastest-growing among women, increasing by 3.2% per year. The researchers noted that excess body weight, physical inactivity, diabetes, and early menstruation are risk factors for the rise in uterine cancer cases and deaths.

Overall, the report highlights the progress made in the fight against cancer, with advancements in screening, treatment, and targeted therapies contributing to declining death rates. The collaborative approach to cancer treatment involving various medical specialists is also credited with reducing mortality rates.