Report: Overall Cancer Deaths Continue to Decline

Overall cancer death rates continue to decline for U.S. men, women and children in all major racial and ethnic groups, according to the latest annual report to the nation on the status of cancer. Overall cancer incidence, or rates of new cancers, decreased in men and were stable in women from 1999 to 2014. In a companion study, researchers reported an increase in late-stage prostate cancers and leveling off in prostate cancer mortality after years of decline. “As overall death rates continue to decline for all major racial and ethnic groups in the United States, it’s clear that interventions are having an impact,” said National Cancer Institute Director Ned Sharpless, M.D. “The report also highlights areas where more work is needed. With steadfast commitment to patients and their families, we will be able to lower the mortality rates faster and improve the lives of those affected by cancer.” The annual report is produced by NCI, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Cancer Society, and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries.