In the News: Continuing declines in cancer death rates since early 1990s.

This headline gives wonderful news. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has been tracking cancer deaths since 1975.  During the past 30+ years the death rates for all cancer has slowly declined and this trend continues in the most recent report which looks at the years 2004-2008.  This success gives hope to people dealing with cancer. 

But wait, there is more good news.  The Incidence (new diagnosis) of colorectal and breast cancer has declined for American men and women also.  However, some cancers (pancreas, kidney, thyroid, liver and melanoma)have increased during the years of 1999-2008. 

Did you know that being overweight and not getting physical exercise contributes to your cancer risk?  “Esophageal adenocarcinoma, cancers of the colon and rectum, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, endometrial cancer and breast cancer among postmenopausal women are associated with being overweight or obese.  Several of these cancers also are associated with not being physically active.”  http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2012/p0328_Cancer_deathrates.html  The experts believe that excess fat in our bodies makes hormones which can contribute to development of cancer.  

While much progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, there is more to be done. The experts continue to work at early diagnosis and best treatments.  Are we doing our part to keep our bodies healthy?