CANCER RATES ON

THE DOWNTURN

The incidence of new cancer cases has been falling in recent years in the United States, the first time such an extended decline has been documented, researchers reported Tuesday.

Cancer diagnosis rates decreased by an average of 0.8 percent each year from 1999 to 2005, the last year for which data are available, according to an annual report by the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society and other scientific organizations. Death rates from cancer continued to decline as well, a trend that began some 15 years ago, the report also noted. It was published online in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

The decline is primarily due to a reduction in death rates from certain common cancers, including prostate cancer and lung cancer in men, breast cancer in women and colorectal cancer in both sexes. The report attributes the reductions to adoption of healthier lifestyles and improved screening, as well as advances in treatment.

However, with all of the good news, lung cancer death rates among women increased in 13 states: Alabama, Arkansas, the Carolinas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, LOUISIANA, Michigan, Mississippi, South Dakota and Tennessee. Tobacco taxes are lower than average in many of these states, the report noted.

If you have a loved one who smokes, please urge them to quit as soon as possible.

A TIME TO GIVE THANKS

During this holiday season, we sit down with our family and friends to give thanks for the many blessings we all receive throughout the year. OncoLogics would like to give thanks to all of our patients, staff and their families, for touching our lives, and for for trusting us with yours. Enjoy your holidays.

AUTHORITY APPOINTMENT

Governor Bobby Jindal recently announced appointments to the Health Education Authority of Louisiana, which serves to promote medical education, research, and health care. Congratulations to our own Dr. DeLand on her appointment.