Cancer deaths hit plateau
When it comes to cancer, any good news is welcome news. The American Cancer Society reported this week that the number of cancer deaths in 2004 fell by 3,000 from 2003 - the second straight year in which deaths fell. Nevertheless, the disease claimed 553,888 lives in 2004.
According to the most recent comparative data, New Jersey had the second highest cancer rate in the nation between 1998 and 2002, behind only Rhode Island. It had the highest incidence of prostate cancer and was tied for first in incidence of colon and rectal cancer among men. It was slightly below national averages for breast cancer and lung cancer in men, and but was above the national norm for lung cancer in women.
Experts are debating whether the reduction of cancer deaths is due more to improvements in treatment or to better health screening and improved diets. I'm inclined to believe most of the improvement is related to lifestyle changes.
According to the most recent comparative data, New Jersey had the second highest cancer rate in the nation between 1998 and 2002, behind only Rhode Island. It had the highest incidence of prostate cancer and was tied for first in incidence of colon and rectal cancer among men. It was slightly below national averages for breast cancer and lung cancer in men, and but was above the national norm for lung cancer in women.
Experts are debating whether the reduction of cancer deaths is due more to improvements in treatment or to better health screening and improved diets. I'm inclined to believe most of the improvement is related to lifestyle changes.
posted by Randy Bergmann at 1:35 PM
6 Comments:
At this point it's not cancer I fear most it's our lawmakers ,and our Govenor,they inflect more pain and suffering on the new Jersey Citizens than any Cancer.
Spoken by a person who hasn't had cancer...
well, there you are wrong I was on Cytoxan for 18 mos ,I'm in remession now and the pain I feel from tax issues are every bit as painfull as my cancer .So before you know all the facts keep your foot out of your mouth
In regard to the reported higher incidence of prostate cancer, I believe two factors have an effect on those numbers; 1. better awareness and screening, 2. we're living longer than our fathers and grandfathers. If we live long enough, 1 man in 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
There is controversy surrounding the screening for prostate cancer, some claim that it's overdone and unnecessary. In it's early stages there are little or no symptoms; early detection offers the best odds of avoiding a painful death.
I had cancer too, and taxes don't hurt like cancer - I can't see anyone comparing the two...and I was on a protocol for three years.
You need some foot removing, I believe, anonymous # 1.
PS - I'm glad you're in remission.
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