U.S. Sees Largest Cancer Death Rate Drop Ever Reported in a Year

Groundbreaking cancer treatments and reduced smoking rates have led to a 29% decline in cancer mortality since 1991 – saving around 2.9 million lives today in comparison with the mortality rate staying constant.

Last week, the American Cancer Society also reported a record achievement: the national cancer death rate dropped by 2.2 percent between 2016 and 2017, resulting in the sharpest annual drop ever reported.

“Every year that we see a decline in cancer mortality rate, it’s very good news,” says Rebecca Siegel, director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the report published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

Among the significant advances helping to reduce cancer mortality, new imaging technologies have helped doctors assess cancer stages and prognosis accurately, and less intrusive surgical methods have resulted in quicker recovery times.