According to the Progress Report from the National Cancer Institute, the rate of new cancer incidence (cancer cases) is 440.5 per 100,000 men and women each year, based on data from 2017 to 2021. The cancer mortality rate (cancer death rate) is 146.0 per 100,000 men and women per year, based on deaths from 2018 to 2022.

Each year, the American Cancer Society estimates the number of new cancer cases and deaths in the United States, compiling the most recent data on population-based cancer occurrence and outcomes. This data is gathered from central cancer registries (through 2021) and mortality data collected by the National Center for Health Statistics (through 2022).

According to the National Library of Medicine.com, 2,041,910 new cancer cases and 618,120 cancer deaths are projected for the United States in 2025.

Alarming data show that Native American people have the highest cancer mortality rates, with rates for kidney, liver, stomach and cervical cancers being two to three times higher than those of White people. Additionally, Black individuals have double the mortality rate compared to White people for prostate, stomach and uterine corpus cancers.

Overall cancer incidence has generally declined in men but has risen in women, narrowing the male-to-female rate ratio from a peak of 1. Notably, cancer rates in women aged 50-64 years have already surpassed those in men, with an incidence rate of 832.6 per 100,000 people. Moreover, younger women (under 50 years) have an 82% higher incidence rate than their male counterparts. In 2021, lung cancer incidence in women surpassed that in men among people younger than 65 years.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.gov, cancer control has long been a concern, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the first Cancer Control Month in April 1943. This was put into action due to death rates in 1943 as the mortality rate from all causes was 11.7 per 1,000 population. Heart disease and cancer were the leading causes of death, accounting for a significant percentage of all deaths.

As Americans fought in World War II, President Roosevelt recognized cancer as a significant enemy due to it being a deadly disease that was one of the leading causes of death in the nation. This realization prompted him to declare April as Cancer Control Month and call on medical professionals, schools, universities, media and individuals to join the movement. Data indicates that individuals diagnosed with cancer today have a higher likelihood of survival and a better quality of life than at any other time in history. (Source: Live Science.com) 

Since then, Americans have participated annually in raising awareness for cancer prevention, detection and treatment. 

Dr. Bhavesh Balar, a board-certified hematologist and oncologist, has questioned why cancer diagnoses are rising despite significant advances in research, prevention, diagnosis and treatment over the past 50 years.

According to National Cancer Institute.gov, one reason for the increase in cancer cases is that cancer primarily affects older individuals, and the population is aging. About 77% of all cancers are diagnosed in people over the age of 55. As the senior population increases, so do cancer cases. According to the National Cancer Institute, seniors have an average life expectancy of about 79 years, while the median age of cancer death is 73. 

Another factor contributing to rising cancer rates is obesity and the associated lack of proper diet, exercise and weight control among many Americans. Obesity is a significant risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast (after menopause), colon and rectal, esophageal, endometrial, pancreatic, kidney, thyroid and gallbladder cancers. Additionally, high-risk types can lead to cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus and penis.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can also cause cancer by transforming normal cells into abnormal ones. If the body does not eliminate the virus, it can lead to cellular changes that may develop into cancer years after the initial infection. These cancers often affect the digestive system, including the stomach, gallbladder, liver, pancreas and bowel (small and large intestine).

About half of liver cancers in the United States occur in individuals with chronic hepatitis C infections. The rising incidence of liver cancer is consistent with the aging population infected with hepatitis C. Diagnosing these cancers can be particularly challenging, as their symptoms often mimic those of less severe conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or acid reflux.

Skin cancer, despite being highly preventable, remains the most common cancer. Efforts to address risk factors for skin cancer, such as inadequate sun protection and intentional tanning, have not been effective. Skin cancer rates, including melanoma, have increased in the United States every year since 2001. The U.S. Surgeon General reported that 33% of Americans experienced sunburn in 2014, which is a significant risk factor for skin cancer. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

According to National Breast Cancer Foundation.org, the origins of cancer ribbons can be traced back to the AIDS awareness ribbon, which was introduced in the 1990s. The success of this campaign inspired the creation of ribbons for various cancer types, with each color representing a different form of cancer. It appears that the use of a colored ribbon to raise awareness for cancer began with a very modest movement in 1991 when a woman named Charlotte Haley began handing out peach ribbons at her local grocery store and doctors’ offices with a postcard attached that called attention to the lack of funding for breast cancer prevention.

Many people who are going through this disease could be struggling mentally, financially, or physically. April is a time to spread awareness to those around your community about the struggles others could be facing. Stand up to cancer this month by being involved because no one should have to go through such a deadly disease alone.

Resources for Further Information and Help:

1. American Cancer Society: [cancer.org](https://www.cancer.org) 

   – Provides comprehensive cancer information, support, and resources for patients and families.

2. National Cancer Institute: [cancer.gov](https://www.cancer.gov) 

   – Offers detailed information on cancer causes, prevention, and treatment, including clinical trials.

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): [cdc.gov/cancer](https://www.cdc.gov/cancer) 

   – Provides data and information on cancer prevention and control.

4. National Foundation for Cancer Research: [nfcr.org](https://www.nfcr.org)

   – Focuses on funding cancer research and providing educational resources.

5. Live Science: [livescience.com](https://www.livescience.com)

   – Offers articles and information on various health topics, including cancer research and prevention.

6. Cancer Treatment Centers of America: [cancercenter.com](https://www.cancercenter.com)

   – Provides resources and support for cancer treatment options.

7. Campbell County Health: [cchwyo.org ](https://www.cchwyo.org)

– Provides information on how to make a difference during Cancer Control Month