Report Suggests Steady Improvements in Cancer Survival

America is making slow but steady progress against cancer, with a continuing decline in cancer deaths, according to a new report.

The overall cancer death rate fell an average 1.5% per year between 2002 and 2011, representing improved survival for men, women, and children, the report found. The rate of new cancer cases also declined an average 0.5% a year during that period. Experts say the promising figures reflect success in both treating and heading off cancer in the body's four most vulnerable sites—the lungs, colon, breasts, and prostate.

"These numbers reflect a combination of factors that include prevention, early detection and improved treatment," said report co-author Ahmedin Jemal, vice president of surveillance research for the American Cancer Society. However, the new report also found that cancer rates are rising for some rarer forms of cancer, including cancer of the liver, mouth and throat, thyroid, and kidneys.

Read the article on MedlinePlus: http://1.usa.gov/1MAdmO5