Good News: Cancer Related Death Rates Dropping

A report authored by the American Cancer Society and government scientists concludes that death rates from cancer in the U.S. are falling.

Much of the improvement is attributed to earlier detection and treatment of colorectal cancer, the number 2 cancer killer in the U.S. They point to 2002 as a significant turning point, with death rates dropping 2.1 percent a year (up from 1.1 percent a year from 1993 to 2001).

Fewer diagnoses are reported because they are catching more of it before it becomes cancer.

I'd guess anecdotally each of us knows someone who's fought cancer. Some of us have lost someone dear to us from that awful disease, one form or another. This is one you can stop if you're willing to put up with the annoyance of screening. As 50 gets closer, I'll do it. I have friends who started checking earlier because of family history.

I would encourage all you morons to do likewise.

posted by Dave In Texas at 11:56 AM

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