2004 Cancer Report Card for California a Mixed Bag; Cancer Death Rates Decline, but Californians Must Adopt Healthy Lifestyles to Reduce Cancer Risk.

Lifestyle Editors/Health/Medical Writers

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 15, 2004

According to California Cancer Facts & Figures 2004, a joint publication of the American Cancer Society and the California Cancer Registry, there have been significant improvements in the expected number of new cases and deaths from common cancers in California. The report also reflects how many more lives could be saved by early detection and preventive behaviors such as healthy diet, increased physical activity and avoiding tobacco.

The most recent data show that cancer incidence rates declined by ten percent since 1988, and mortality rates declined by 14 percent. In terms of cancer prevalence, which is the number of people alive who have ever been diagnosed with the disease, there are more than 885,000 Californians alive today who have a history of cancer. Cancer incidence in California is the same or somewhat lower than elsewhere in the U.S. for most types of cancer.

"These improvements are encouraging," said Donald Lyman, M.D., president of the California Division of the American Cancer Society and Chief of the Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Control for the California Department of Health Services. "It means that regular screening and early detection are becoming more widespread, and treatments of cancer are improving at a pace that was unimaginable a short time ago."

However, Dr. Lyman cautioned, "Many more people have to learn about early detection and cancer risk reduction before the American Cancer Society will meet its goals of cancer incidence and mortality reduction." The American Cancer Society's goals include reducing cancer mortality by 50 percent, reducing cancer incidence by 25 percent, and improving the quality of life for cancer survivors by the year 2015.

Effective prevention of many cancers is possible by engaging in healthy behaviors. For both men and women, lung cancer is the second most common cancer, yet smoking is the single most preventable cause of death in our country. Although tobacco-related cancers have declined sharply, lung cancer alone causes more deaths than prostate, breast, and colon cancers combined. There are approximately 17,500 new cases of lung cancer expected in 2004, and 14,000 Californians will die of the disease.

Poor diet, obesity, and physical inactivity cause another third of all cancer deaths. Along with a healthy diet -- consuming a minimum of five daily servings of fruits and vegetables and limiting meat, dairy and other high-fat foods -- regular physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce cancer risk. Only one out of three California adults engage in the recommended moderate physical activity for 30 minutes or more at least five days a week.

Breast cancer is still the most prevalent cancer among women in most race/ethnic groups, with approximately 22,490 new cases and 4,230 deaths expected in California this year. The good news is that breast cancer incidence rate has not increased since 1988, and the mortality rate has decreased by 24 percent. For men in most race/ethnic groups, prostate cancer has the highest incidence, with 22,265 new cases and 2,925 deaths expected this year. The mortality rate for prostate cancer has declined by 19 percent since 1988.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in California among both men and women, and is the third most common cause of cancer-related death for each gender. There will be 14,485 new cases of this cancer diagnosed in 2004, and 5,220 deaths from the disease. However, colon cancer incidence and mortality rates are declining sharply in most ethnic groups.

Despite improvements, two in five Californians will develop cancer at some point in their lives, and it is likely that one in five will die of the disease. For more information or to request additional copies of California Cancer Facts & Figures 2004, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 14 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll-free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.