The American Cancer Society reports a drop in total cancer deaths from 2002 to 2003, the first decrease since nationwide record keeping began in 1930. Total cancer deaths for 2006 are expected to rise because of the growing and aging population. The death rate, however, will continue its fall, which began in 1991.
Cancer deaths in 2002: 557,271
In 2003: 556,902
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Expected cancer cases in 2006: 1,399,790
Deaths expected from:
Lung cancer: 162,460
Colorectal cancer: 55,170
Breast cancer: 40,970
Prostate cancer: 27,350
Percent of all cancer deaths from these four types: 51
Odds of developing cancer by age 39:
Men: 1 in 70
Women: 1 in 50
Between ages 40 and 59:
Men: 1 in 12
Women: 1 in 11
Between ages 60 and 69:
Men: 1 in 6
Women: 1 in 9
SOURCE: Cancer Facts & Figures 2006.
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