The fight against cancer has formed the main thrust of medical research in developed countries, and it now seems to be bearing fruit. The cancer mortality rate has fallen 20% in the last 20 years, according to figures released by the American Cancer Society. Advances in cancer research and early screening techniques have led to a considerable decline in deaths among the four main cancer groups: lung, colon, breast and prostate. We should all take a moment to reflect upon this advance and let it give us hope and fortitude with which to face the future.
The American Cancer Society’s statistics show their most impressive results in the area of breast, lung and prostate cancer. There has been a 30% fall in breast and male lung cancer, and a 40 % decrease in prostate cancer rates. For this, we have to thank anti-smoking education and early detection programmes. Cancer continues to become less common in nearly all categories, excepting skin, thyroid, pancreas and liver cancer. It seems that wellbeing and prevention programmes addressing these types should be next on government agendas for health investment.
Recent yearly estimates of cancer rates in the US stand at 1.6 million, and cancer death rates at 580,000. Among these, the most common causes of death for men are prostate, lung, bronchus and colorectal cancers, and the most common for women breast, lung, bronchus and colorectal cancers. Breast cancer remains the most dangerous prospect for women, representing an incredible 29% of female cancer cases. Decline in overall cancer rates has been good for both genders, with a greater drop for men than for women; the death rate for men declines at approximately 1.8% per year, compared to 1.5% for women – meaning an overall decrease of 24% for men to 16% for women between the years 1990 to 2009.
The reduction in cancer rates is good news for us all, and points to successful advances in treatment as well as patient wellbeing. It remains to take our future instruction from these statistics and work on cancer prevention across all demographic groups. Certain areas of female health can still benefit from a better quality of public education, and the same applies for cancer groups that are slow to improve, such as skin cancer. Although American statistics show a considerable overall improvement, it must be remembered that there is still clear evidence of a wealth gap between patients, which often proves pivotal. Any acceptable aim for research must concentrate on closing the gaps between rich and poor, and male and female, in focusing on wellness programmes for us all.
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