Roughly six months after the American Cancer Society released their own rosy report, the downward trend in American cancer rates -- based on data culled from the CDC, National Cancer Institute and other research entities -- continues, albeit slowly.

The mortality rate among cancer patients fell 1.6 percent annually from 1999-2006 as did the number of new cancer diagnoses by less than 1 percent (during that same period). Still, more than a half-million Americans will die from cancer and almost three times as many patients will be diagnosed with it every year, according to the report.

But, it's no surprise taking better responsibility for your health can pay huge dividends when it comes to cancer prevention. Taking current colon cancer rates into consideration, without lifestyle changes, treatments or extra screenings, deaths linked to such cancers are projected to drop 17 percent from 2000-2020 just by themselves. Factoring in the aforementioned preventative measures, however, mortality statistics for colon cancer could be slashed by an amazing 50 percent over time.

Lifestyle changes identified in the study that would accelerate the positive trend in reducing cancer risks among all Americans:

* Eating a healthier diet.

* Better moving through exercise.

* Smoking cessation.

* Keeping off the extra pounds.

Cancer, December 7, 2009

MedlinePlus December 8, 2009

USA Today December 8, 2009