Statistics for 2008 - American Cancer Society

Statistics for 2008
American Cancer Society, Inc.

The ACS tracks cancer occurrence, including the number of deaths, cases, and how long people survive after diagnosis. ACS also tracks data regarding behaviors that influence the risk of developing cancer and the use of screening tests.

Caution: It is very important to note the information below.

1) Beginning with Cancer Facts & Figures 2007, estimated new cancer cases were computed using a new, more accurate method developed by researchers at the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. Improvements in the new model include use of data from a much larger percentage of the US population, allowance for geographical variation in cancer incidence, adjustment for delays in reporting, and the inclusion of many socio-demographic, medical facility, lifestyle, and cancer screening behavior variables. Comparisons of estimates produced by the old and new methods were generally similar for all cancers combined but differ substantially for some sites. For more information, see: A New Method of Estimating US Incidence; Projected and Observed Cancer Cases for 2003, New Method; Estimated New Cancer Cases for Selected Cancer Sites by State, US, 2007, Old Method.

2) Beginning with Cancer Facts & Figures 2003, the incidence and mortality data have been age adjusted to the 2000 population standard of the US. This change in method will affect the comparability of the new report's data with that of previous years. The new approach will result in an increase of about 20% in age-adjusted annual incidence rates for all cancers combined and for the most common cancer sites. It will also somewhat affect racial and ethnic differences.

Cancer Facts & Figures 2008
Presents data on cancer incidence, mortality, survival, cancer risk factors, and annual estimates of expected new cases and deaths. Special section on Insurance and Cost-Related Barriers to Cancer Care. Also available: Cancer Statistics 2008 Presentation, the most-requested graphs and figures, and Supplemental Data.

Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanics 2006-2008
Summarizes recent information on cancer occurrence and cancer screening in the Hispanic/Latino population, estimating the number of new cancer cases and deaths for 2006. Includes sections on use of cancer screening examinations, and cancer risk factors such as tobacco use and obesity.

Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures 2008
Annual updates on the preventable causes of cancer--tobacco use, physical inactivity, poor nutrition--and use of cancer screening tests. Discusses cancer control measures for youth and adults, and highlights community/legislative/environmental initiatives to improve these modifiable risk factors.

Global Cancer Facts & Figures 2007
Presents data on the estimated numbers of new cancer cases and deaths in 2007, both worldwide and by level of economic development, as well as detailed information on select cancer sites. Includes a special section on the international tobacco epidemic. Please note, if you accessed this document prior to 12:00 p.m. (eastern time) on December 17, Figures 6a and 8 were incorrect. Please download this updated version of the publication.

Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans 2007-2008
Estimates the number of new cancer cases and deaths for 2007 and provides the most recent statistics on cancer incidence, mortality, and five-year relative survival. Also includes sections on cancer risk factors such as tobacco use, physical activity, and use of cancer screening examinations.

Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2007-2008
Provides estimates of new breast cancer cases and deaths for 2007, as well as information on factors that influence survival, known risk factors for the disease, prevention details, early detection and treatment methods, and research currently being conducted on breast cancer.

Copyright 2009 © American Cancer Society, Inc.