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Cancer
Cancer, the second leading cause of death among Americans, is responsible for one of every four deaths in the United States. In 2004, more than 560,000 Americans—or more than 1,500 people a day—will die of cancer. More than 18 million new cases of cancer have been diagnosed since 1990, and about 1.4 million new cases will be diagnosed in 2004 alone. This estimate does not include preinvasive cancer or the more than 1 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer expected to be diagnosed this year.

The number of new cancer cases can be reduced substantially, and many cancer deaths can be prevented. Adopting healthier lifestyles—for example, avoiding tobacco use, increasing physical activity, achieving optimal weight, improving nutrition, and avoiding sun exposure—can significantly reduce a person’s risk for cancer. Making cancer screening, information, and referral services available and accessible to all Americans is also essential for reducing the high rates of cancer and cancer deaths.

Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2004, American Cancer Society, 2004

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Featured Items
SMART BRFSS Map of the U.S.
SMART: Selected Metropolitan/Micropolitan Area Risk Trends
SMART BRFSS uses numbers and graphs to illustrate risk factors for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer at the local level. The printable Quick-View charts compare prevalence data between areas within a state...more
Health Consequences of Smoking: A Report of the Surgeon General
New Surgeon General’s Report Expands List of Diseases Caused by Smoking: The government’s latest report on smoking and health documents that smoking causes disease in nearly every organ of the body in both men and women...more
Screencap of VNR Video
Cancer in the Family
VNR Video News Release and Transcript...more
Photo of Lance Armstrong riding in the Tour de Georgia - April 20-25, 2004
Cancer Survivorship Awareness
The number of people affected by cancer, both those diagnosed with the disease and their families and friends, is substantial. CDC and the Lance Armstrong Foundation are leading a public health effort to address the issues faced by the growing number of cancer survivors living with, through, and beyond cancer....more
Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2001
Annual Cancer Report to the Nation Released
According to the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975–2001, Americans’ risks of getting cancer and dying from this disease continue to decline, and survival rates from many cancers continue to improve. Findings from the report also indicate a decline in cancer incidence rates, death rates for all cancers combined, and lung cancer incidence among women....more
Smiling child
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness
May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. The month is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the importance of skin cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, including basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma....more
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Quick Links
bullet Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance
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Key Resources
BRFSS Cancer Resources
Risk factors for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer
Mammogram and Pap test prevalence
cancer.gov
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Closing the Health Gap, United States Department of Health and Human Services
Cancer Cluster Public Inquiry Triage System, CDC/ATSDR
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Programs & Campaigns
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
Providing critical breast and cervical cancer screening services to underserved women in the United States, the District of Columbia, 4 U.S. territories, and 13 American Indian/Alaska Native organizations.
National Program of Cancer Registries
Collecting information on cancer cases occurring among 96% of the U.S. population
National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program
Developing and providing an integrated and coordinated approach to reduce the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of cancer through prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliation.
Choose Your Cover Skin Cancer Prevention Campaign
Young people can have fun outdoors, while still protecting their skin from the sun, by choosing five sun protection options: seeking shade, covering up, getting a hat, wearing sunglasses, and rubbing on sunscreen.
Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign
Informing men and women aged 50 years or older about the importance of having regular colorectal cancer screening tests.
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