Cancer Mortality Rates are Falling

Cancer mortality rates in the United States have seen their largest drop in recorded history, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society, with the death rate dropping by 2.2 percent between 2016 and 2017. The finding is provided within the cancer group’s annual Facts and Figures 2020 statistical report, which highlights an average 1.5 percent mortality rate decrease in the last 10 years.

The country has seen a steady decline in cancer mortality rates since 1990, with an overall decline of 29 percent from 1991 to 2017. Researchers and medical professionals point to the significant decrease in lung cancer incidences along with advanced early detection technologies. However, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer death followed by breast, prostate, and colorectal.

The report also shows the rates of new cases continue to increase for cancers of the liver, kidney, pancreas, skin, and oral cavity and pharynx, with liver cancer increasing by 2 percent to 3 percent each year between 2007 and 2016.