Cancer mortality rates have declined in the US: Report

Austin, Texas – The American Cancer Association has published a 2025 cancer facts and statistics report.

The good news is that cancer mortality rates fell by 34% in the US from 1991 to 2022, but cases are rising for many cancer types, especially among women and young adults.

Along with Austin Central of Texas Oncology, Dr. Jeff Yorio joined Rebecca Thomas of Fox 7 Austin to discuss.

Local perspective:

Rebecca: First, let's focus on the good news. What contributes to lower cancer mortality rates?

Dr. Yorio: of course. I think it's a lot of factors. Certainly, we have seen the use of tobacco and smoking decline in the United States over the past decades. And we are really seeing the effects and beginning to improve cancer mortality. Of course, screening improves over time, catching cancer much earlier, and mortality rates of course increase earlier than later. And treatment has come a long way, especially over the last 10 or 15 years. As you know, I've been in oncology for over 15 years, and the changes that occurred and some of the patients I treated 15 years ago compare to completely different types of treatments and their average life expectancy. , I'm just looking at the fact that I was being treated. My ability to live with cancer and cure cancer has improved dramatically. This is great.

Rebecca: That's great to hear. But let's talk about the rise in cancer cases in women and young adults. What cancer are we talking about? What are you driving?

Dr. Yorio: of course. So some of them certainly keep watching how breast cancer in women continues to rise a little. Colorectal cancer is especially high in younger adults. Therefore, melanomas in less than 50 are also increasing in younger adults. So these are some of the main ones. Head and neck cancers, such as throat cancer, are different, primarily associated with human papillomavirus. It's getting a little more popular among younger people.

Rebecca: And why do you think so?

Dr. Yorio: So I think something like obesity contributed to that. Obesity is rising across America, which has led to a higher incidence of these types of cancer. Certainly, we think this is an increase in colon cancer in young people, and it is likely to address our food. There is also a risk of colon cancer. And, like I said, the human papillomavirus is primarily due to head and neck cancer, but now most people are exposed to this human papillomavirus, which is actually the case. It's beginning to progress to. However, I began to see the effects later.

Rebecca: Final question. This is a number that really stood out to me. Depriving melanoma skin cancer could potentially avoid at least 40% of new cancer cases and diagnoses among adults in the US this year. Let's talk about that. And prevention.

Dr. Yorio: Yes, certainly. You know, I'm always thinking about the big things I can do to prevent cancer. tobacco. And, as you know, smoking is obvious. And I keep saying I'm away from smoking. It is probably one of the biggest contributors to cancer later in life. Obesity is certainly a major factor. Therefore, it is extremely important to try and maintain a healthy weight. Alcohol use is also a major factor in having different types of cancer. Therefore, limiting alcohol use and reducing alcohol use can make a huge difference. You know that by avoiding exposure to UV rays or exposure to a tan bed. Of course, in melanoma, skin cancer is another thing that can be used to prevent cancer from actually occurring.

Rebecca: Okay. Texas Oncology Austin Central and Jeff Yorio. Thank you for sharing your time and your expertise with us tonight.