U.S. Cancer Death Rate Continues to Fall

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Lung cancer incidence in women stabilized from 1998 through 2004, after a long period of increases. In men, the lung cancer rate declined 1.8 percent annually from 1991 through 2004. Rates of colorectal cancer fell by more than 2 percent per year for both men and women, probably because of better screening and removal of precancerous polyps.

"This is the first time we have seen good news in lung cancer," Langer said. "It's probably mostly a reflection of the drop in smoking rates."

This year's report also gives a detailed view of cancer in American Indians and Alaska Natives across the United States. American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) generally had lower rates of most cancers than non-Hispanic whites between 1999 and 2004, but they had a higher incidence of cancers of the stomach, liver, kidney, gallbladder and cervix.

Incidence rates in these populations varied largely depending on the specific geographic region. From 1999 through 2004, AI/AN men from the Northern Plains region and AI/AN women from Alaska and the Northern and Southern Plains had higher incidence rates than non-Hispanic white men and women living in the same areas.

Lung and colorectal cancer incidence rates were the highest in the Northern Plains and Alaska. AI/AN women, regardless of location, were less likely than non-Hispanic white women to be diagnosed with early breast cancer.

AI/AN populations have less access to cancer prevention and control services, experts note. They also have higher smoking rates as well as higher rates of obesity, both of which can contribute to cancer.

"The issue of cancer in Native Americans has not previously been reported this broadly," Espey said. "The findings point to a need for intervention. These populations have low screening rates. Regionally, there are very specific needs that should drive policy."

And in cancer control, overall, there is still work to do.

"We have a lot of work in colorectal cancer," Espey said. "We've been making progress in lung cancer, but that's a perennial battle to try to control tobacco use initiation and tobacco cessation."

The "low-hanging fruit" in terms of cancer prevention and early detection right now is colorectal cancer, Espey continued. Less progress has been made here than in breast and cervical cancer, he said.

More information

Learn more about cancer and its prevention at the American Cancer Society.