Annual State-of-Cancer Report Encouraging for Patients, Providers
The fight against cancer has never been stronger. Healthcare providers have a better understanding of the disease types, more tools and resources are available, and more people are taking preventative action to live healthier lives. Science and technology continue to progress and offer great boons to cancer treatment and patient care.
The latest edition of the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2014 (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/research/articles/arn_7514.htm), confirms that death rates are decreasing for 11 of the 16 most common types of cancer in men and 13 of the 18 most common types in women.
According to the report, from 2010–2014, “Death rates declined overall and for the most common cancers (lung, prostate, colorectal, breast) among men and women of all racial and ethnic groups.” Additionally, the report noted, “Death rates for most of the other cancer sites declined or were stable among men and women in each racial and ethnic group,” with a few exceptions.
This news comes as budget discussions in Washington are becoming more and more prevalent. In March 2017, the Trump administration recommended potential budget cuts that would impact federal investment in cancer research. However, on May 1, 2017, Congress passed a $2 billion funding boost (https://www.statnews.com/2017/05/01/nih-funding-congress-trump/) to the National Institutes of Health, showing support for the research community.
Advancements continue to be made in cancer, and many Americans are looking to the future for potential breakthroughs and emerging treatments. Cancer science and research continues to drive new treatments and lead to better overall care and outcomes for all patients with cancer.