Which types of cancer demonstrated a decline in both incidence and mortality rates between 1975 and 2015?

From the Guidelines

Between 1975 and 2015, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and other cancers showed declines in both incidence and mortality rates, with the most notable examples including declines in lung cancer incidence rates in men and women, and significant decreases in colorectal cancer mortality rates. The decline in lung cancer incidence rates can be attributed to decreased smoking rates, with incidence rates in men declining by 2.9% per year between 2011 and 2015, and incidence rates in women declining by 1.5% per year during the same period 1. Additionally, colorectal cancer incidence rates decreased from 54.5 to 38.6 per 100,000 people from 2000 to 2015, and the 5-year mortality rate from colorectal cancer decreased to 13.2% between 2016 and 2020, likely due to increased screening rates and improved treatment modalities 1. Other cancers, such as Hodgkin lymphoma, also showed significant declines in mortality rates, with 5-year relative survival rates improving over time 1. These positive trends reflect improvements in prevention strategies, screening programs, and treatment modalities over this 40-year period. Some key statistics include:

• Lung cancer incidence rates in men declined by 2.9% per year between 2011 and 2015 1
• Colorectal cancer incidence rates decreased from 54.5 to 38.6 per 100,000 people from 2000 to 2015 1
• 5-year mortality rate from colorectal cancer decreased to 13.2% between 2016 and 2020 1
• 5-year relative survival rates for Hodgkin lymphoma improved over time 1

From the Research

Cancers with Declining Incidence and Mortality

• Between 1975 and 2015, several cancers showed a decline in both incidence and mortality rates in the United States 2, 3.
• According to the study published in the Annals of Translational Medicine, the overall cancer mortality rate declined by 33.6% and 23.6% in males and females, respectively, from the early 1990s to 2016 2.
• The study published in Cancer journal found that death rates continued to decline for all cancers combined for men and women of all major racial and ethnic groups and for most major cancer sites 3.
• Specifically, the following cancers have shown a decline in incidence and mortality:
  • Colorectal cancer: The study published in JAMA found that screening for colorectal cancer can reduce cancer-specific mortality, and the incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer have been declining 4.
  • Lung cancer: Although lung cancer is still a leading cause of cancer death, the mortality rate has been declining, especially among men 2, 3.
  • Breast cancer: The study published in Medical Sciences found that breast cancer screening rates declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the overall incidence and mortality rates have been declining 5.
  • Prostate cancer: The study published in the Annals of Translational Medicine found that prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates have been declining, especially among men 2.

Factors Contributing to Declining Cancer Rates

• The decline in cancer incidence and mortality rates can be attributed to various factors, including:
  • Improved screening and early detection methods 4, 5.
  • Advances in cancer treatment and therapy 2, 3.
  • Changes in lifestyle and environmental factors, such as reduced smoking rates and improved diet 6.
  • Increased awareness and education about cancer prevention and early detection 2, 3.