According to Dr. Abinash Achrekar, a health expert at the University of New Mexico, the risk of dying from cancer has been decreasing over the last 30 years due to early detection, reduced smoking rates, and advancements in treatments. Despite this decline in cancer deaths, the U.S. is expected to have over 2 million new cancer diagnoses this year, driven by increases in six common types of cancer: breast, prostate, uterine, pancreatic, kidney, and skin cancers. These rising rates of cancer diagnoses are concerning, but many of these cancers can be caught and treated early with available screenings.
Dr. Achrekar also highlighted the disparities in cancer treatment outcomes, noting that progress in fighting cancer is slower among communities of color. For example, Native American groups have double the death rates in liver, stomach, or kidney cancer compared to white people. Additionally, individuals in the LGBTQ+ community face unique risks in developing cancer. The overall cancer risk is typically associated with age, but there is a growing trend of people developing the disease at younger ages.
Certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer, have been linked to family health history, emphasizing the importance of early screening, particularly for those under 50. Encouragingly, the HPV vaccine has led to a decline in cervical cancer rates among young adult women aged 20 to 24. Dr. Achrekar recommends regular annual check-ups with a doctor to understand the necessary screenings based on individual risk factors.
