Delaware cervical cancer rates drop

Wilmington, DE

A report released Friday by Delaware's Division of Public Health shows cancers rates in Delaware are declining. The state compared cancer statistics from 2001 through 2005 to numbers from 1991 through 1995.

The state said overall cancer rates are down five percent from a decade ago. The state said the number of men diagnosed with lung cancer has dropped 20%.

The report also showed cancer death rates have declined 17%. The biggest improvement came in the death rates from cervical cancer. The state said that rate fell by 31% over the last decade.

"It's great news, and on top of that our racial disparities are declining or being eliminated," said Lisa Henry of the Division of Public Health.

State officials said the decline is due, in part, to an increased number of cancer screenings, which can detect cancer early before it has a chance to spread.

Henry said the state will continue to offer free cancer screenings and to try and increase public awareness to drive cancer rates down even further. The state also offers free cancer treatments to qualified families. The Division of Public Health said hundreds of people have already been helped by the program.

The state said even with the decline, cancer rates in Delaware remain higher than the national average. However, Delaware's cancer rates are falling faster than the national rates.

For more information on Delaware cancer screenings, call 1-800-464-HELP.

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