The United States saw cancer death rates decrease by 2.2% from 2016 to 2017, the biggest single-year drop in history.
According to a report from the American Cancer Society, the United States has seen a 29% decrease in cancer rates from 1991 to 2016 — which equates to 2.9 million fewer cancer deaths.
The decline in cancer deaths is credited to significant drops in the 4 most common types of cancer: prostate, breast, lung and colorectal.
Historically, lung cancer is responsible for approximately 1 in 4 cancer deaths in the United States, which is more than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined. The report explains early detection, lower smoking rates and breakthrough treatments are the main reasons behind the decline in lung-cancer deaths.
“Lung cancer remains the number one cause of cancer death both in men and women in the United States, as well as globally, and so any progress that we make in reducing lung cancer mortality will have an impact on overall cancer death rates.”
Mark Awad, clinical director for the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology
What Can Employers Do To Help Combat Cancer Rates?
Promoting a smoke-free workplace and educating employees about the health risks of smoking would be a step in the right direction. By offering Smoking Cessation Programs, employers will ultimately bring rise to a healthier employee population and save on healthcare dollars for both themselves and their staff.
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Contact Creative Benefits at 866-306-0200 for information on smoking cessation programs available.