The American Cancer Society, CDC, National Cancer Institute and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries provided an update on cancer occurrence and trends in the U.S., published in Wiley Online Library, finding mortality rates for 14 of the 20 most common cancers, including colorectal, were decreasing.
Researchers obtained population-based incidence data from 42 state registries participating in the CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries, as well as from NCI's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program from 1999 to 2014. Mortality data was available from 1999 to 2015 through the National Vital Statistics System.
Here's what you should know.
1. Colorectal cancer incidence rates decreased 1.9 percent among men, the third highest decrease of the 17 most common cancers. Prostate cancer decreased 7.6 percent, the most of the common cancers.
2. Mortality rates decreased for 11 of the 18 most common types of cancer among men, with CRC-related rates decreasing 2.5 percent, the third highest.
3. CRC incidence rates decreased 1.7 percent among women, the most of the common cancers.
4. Female death rates dropped for 14 of the 20 most common cancer types, with CRC mortality rates tied with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for the biggest decrease at 2.7 percent.
5. Despite the positives, CRC is still the third most common type of cancer among men and women, except among Hispanic men and women, where CRC is the second most common cancer type. Prostate and breast are still the most common cancer types in men and women, respectively.
6. CRC is still the third most deadly form of cancer for both genders.
7. CRC incidence rates decreased from 1999 to 2012, but have been stable since 2012. Mortality rates decreased from 1999 to 2015.
8. Five-year CRC survival rates are 88.1 percent for stage 1 (23 percent of cases) and 12.6 percent for stage 4 (20 percent of cases).
Researchers attributed the decreases to improved early detection and more effective treatments. The group attributed the rapid decrease in mortality over the past decade to CMS' decision to cover colonoscopy cost. Because precancerous polyps can be removed before becoming cancer, incidence and mortality rates have steadily dropped.
Researchers concluded, "For all cancer sites combined, cancer incidence rates decreased among men but were stable among women. Overall, there continue to be significant declines in cancer death rates among both men and women. Differences in rates and trends by race and ethnic group remain."