ATLANTA - May 18, 2017 - While there have been improvements in some areas of cancer prevention and early detection, the use of potentially lifesaving measures is suboptimal and strongly influenced by individual behaviors, as well as social, economic, and public policy factors, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society.
Since 1992, the American Cancer Society has published Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures (CPED) as a resource to strengthen cancer prevention and early detection efforts at the local, state, and national levels. The report, published every two years, assesses current prevalence of cancer risk factors and prevention measures, an important component of monitoring progress and strengthening cancer prevention and early detection efforts.
Highlights from the 2017-2018 report:
Tobacco Use
Overweight and Obesity, Physical Activity, and Nutrition
Ultraviolet Radiation and Skin Cancer
Infectious Agents
Cancer Screening
"While some measures of cancer prevention and early detection have improved over time, others have either stabilized or worsened," said Ann Goding Sauer MSPH, lead author of the report. "For example, cigarette smoking among U.S. adults has dropped to 15% but remains at the level of the 1970s in some geographic areas and population groups. The prevalence of obesity among both adults and youth remains high, particularly among black women.
"The bottom line is that despite improvements in some areas of cancer prevention and early detection, systematic efforts to further reduce the suffering and death from cancer are needed," said Ms. Sauer.
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Article: Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures 2017-2018. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2017.