MINNEAPOLIS, November 26, 2008—For the first time since the government began compiling records, the rate of cancer has begun to decline, according to a story in the Los Angeles Times.

Incidence rates for the total number of cancers and for men and women combined dropped by 0.8 percent per year from 1999 through 2005. The rates for men decreased at about three times the rate for women. The only groups for which cancer rates did not decline were American Indians and Alaskan natives.

The decline was due in large part to declines in the five of the six most common cancers -- lung, colorectal and prostate in men and breast and colorectal cancer in women. The sixth most common form, lung cancer in women, has leveled off but not declined. 

Researchers already knew that the number of cancer deaths was declining as the result of better treatment. But the statistical drop suggests that progress in prevention is being made.

Researchers are concerned that the economic meltdown may trigger a new increase in incidence as more people skip screening tests, and as increased stress takes its toll of people's immune systems.

And, the declines may be temporary. As baby boomers age they will likely develop cancers. So the numbers may change direction again.

SOURCE: Los Angeles Times