For another year, cancer rates in America appear to be in decline, according to Cancer Statistics 2010, the latest annual deluge of numbers amassed every summer by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

While the general consensus is positive -- cancer-related mortality rates have declined by an estimated 767,000 Americans over the past two decades -- the ACS predicts some 1.5 million new cases will be diagnosed along with almost 570,000 cancer-related deaths this year. That's a very slight increase, compared to last year's 1.48 million new cases and 562,000 deaths.

Additionally, even though cancer rates among women are falling, as are those for men, it's happening a bit more slowly among the fairer sex, based on historical data. For example, the incidence of cancer among men fell 1.3 percent from 2000-06, but only 0.5 percent among women (albeit over a longer time frame from 1998-2006). And, after a 6 percent decrease in the incidence of breast cancer among women in 2002-03, rates from 2003-06 have remained flat.

Also, the news is worse for African-Americans. The mortality rate among black men and women is far greater, 34 and 17 percent respectively, than that of their white counterparts.

Fortunately, survival rates are much better among children with cancer than they were 35 years ago. Cancer survival rates among children have increased significantly from 58 percent in 1975-77 to 81 percent for kids diagnosed from 1999-2005.

Because the news is more of a mixed bag, depending on where you're looking for it, you can't stop being vigilant about all the variables that may contribute in a positive or negative way to your cancer risks. Which reminds me to remind you that making lifestyle changes is a great place to start.

CA, A Cancer Journal for Clinicians July 7, 2010 Free Full Text Study

ScienceDaily July 7, 2010

USA Today July 8, 2010