Lives Saved by Early Detection and Smoking Cessation Efforts

A New Study Reveals Nearly 6 Million Lives Saved by Cancer Screening and Quitting Smoking

Over the past four decades, major advances in cancer control strategies have led to a significant decline in cancer deaths. According to a new study published in JAMA Oncology, nearly 6 million lives were saved from five common cancers through prevention, early detection, and better treatments.

The Impact of Cancer Screening and Prevention

The researchers used statistical modeling to estimate the number of lives that would have been lost if survival rates had remained at 1975 levels. They found that 80% of the 5.9 million cancer deaths averted from 1975 through 2020 were due to screening and prevention measures.

• Lung cancer deaths declined by almost entirely due to smoking cessation, with approximately 3.45 million lives saved.

• The majority of cervical cancer deaths (160,000) were prevented thanks to Pap testing and human papillomavirus screening.

• Better treatments accounted for 75% of the more than 1 million avoided breast cancer deaths, while mammogram screening was responsible for the remaining 25%.

• Screening prevented 56% of prostate cancer deaths, while new treatments averted the other 44%.

A Call to Action

Despite these significant advances, there is still an opportunity to improve the uptake of cancer-prevention measures and develop new treatments. According to Dr. Katrina Goddard, director of NCI’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, “We should definitely consider the whole cancer-control continuum when we’re thinking about how to reduce the burden of cancer.”

The study highlights the importance of continued investment in cancer research and prevention efforts. By supporting science journalism and scientific literacy, we can ensure that important societal decisions are made with science in mind.