OVER the past 45 years, cancer prevention and screening interventions have averted nearly 6 million deaths from major cancers in the United States, according to new research. This model-based study evaluated the impact of prevention, early detection, and treatment efforts on mortality rates for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers from 1975 to 2020, revealing critical insights for healthcare professionals.
The study’s findings highlight that 80% of averted deaths were due to prevention and screening, with substantial variation by cancer type. For instance, lung cancer deaths primarily declined due to smoking reduction efforts, accounting for a remarkable 98% of the 1.89 million lung cancer deaths averted. In cervical cancer, nearly all of the 230,000 averted deaths were attributed to screening and removal of precancerous lesions.
Screening interventions played a pivotal role across other cancers as well. In breast cancer, 25% of the 1.3 million deaths averted were linked to early detection, while colorectal cancer benefited significantly from both the removal of precancerous polyps and early detection, which accounted for 79% of the 950,000 deaths averted. Prostate cancer screening contributed to 56% of its 610,000 averted deaths.
The findings emphasize the enduring importance of prevention and screening in reducing cancer mortality. However, researchers caution that achieving further reductions will require expanded access to proven interventions and the development of innovative technologies to address gaps in care.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to advocate for and implement evidence-based screening programs to maximize their life-saving potential.
Reference: Goddard KAB et al. Estimation of Cancer Deaths Averted From Prevention, Screening, and Treatment Efforts, 1975-2020. JAMA Oncol. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2024.5381.
