Screening, Healthy Lifestyles Could Prevent Half of Cancer Deaths

Screening, Healthy Lifestyles Could Prevent Half of Cancer Deaths
April 4, 2005

Research Summary

Healthier lifestyles and available screening tests could prevent half of all cancer deaths in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

In its annual report, Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Facts & Figures 2005, the ACS said that quitting smoking, eating better, exercising, and avoiding excessive weight gain could prevent many cancer deaths. For example, tobacco use causes 30 percent of all cancer deaths in the U.S. Obesity has been linked to breast and prostate cancer.

The ACS noted that while many women seek out screening for breast and cervical cancer, few Americans get screened for colon cancer. The group said that screening rates could be improved if more insurers covered the procedures.

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