Cancer death rates falling, experts say

Death rates from cancer continue to fall in the U.S., dropping more than 2% a year from 2002 through 2004, cancer experts are reporting today.

There were sizable declines in deaths from lung, prostate and colorectal cancer in men, and from breast and colon cancer among women. Lung cancer deaths still rose among women, but the increase slowed.

"The significant decline in cancer death rates demonstrates important progress in the fight against cancer that has been achieved through effective tobacco control, screening, early detection and appropriate treatment," said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Julie Gerberding.