There has been a steady drop in in the cancer death rate in the United States, but obesity related cancers, such as kidney cancer, is on the rise, according to the American Cancer Society’s annual report.

The results of the study showed that between 2004 and 2008 the cancer death rates dropped among men by 1.8 percent, and 1.6 percent for women each year. Also, from 1990 to 2008, the cancer death rate fell to 23 percent among men and 15 percent among women.

Researchers also noticed a steady drop in cancer deaths among all racial groups, except for American Indians/Alaska Natives, as their cancer death rates remained consistent with past statistics. Although their has been an overall drop in cancer deaths among various racial groups, there are still noticeable differences in cancer frequency.

African-American men have a 15 percent higher cancer rate than Caucasian men, and a 33 percent higher death rate than Caucasian men. Caucasian women have a higher cancer rate, but African-American women have a 16 percent higher death rate.

Recent drops in lung cancer diagnosis’ contribute to the overall decrease of U.S. cancer patients. The decline in lung cancer has contributed to a 40 percent drop of cancer diagnosis among men and 34 percent decline among women.

Both scientists and doctors have also studied the link between obesity patients being diagnosed with such cancers as, liver, breast, pancreatic, and esophageal cancer.

In a separate 2001 study conducted by the National Cancer Institute, it was revealed that 25 to 30 percent of several major cancers are linked to obesity. In recent years public health officials have made conscious steps to increase diet and exercise education among adults and children alike.

This recent report by the American Cancer Society also shows that more than 577,000 Americans will die from cancer, and 1,638,000 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2012.

Daryl Nelson

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