(RxWiki News) Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in America, claiming the lives of more than 150,000 men and women each year. Recently released statistics show those numbers should be changing soon.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), new cases of lung cancer are dropping for both men and women in the United States. From 1999 to 2008, rates among men declined in 35 states and among women in six states.
"Quit smoking. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW."
For women, the news is even better. After increasing for decades, lung cancer cases dropped nationwide between 2006 and 2008.
This trend tracks smoking patterns which have also been declining around the country, particularly in the West.
Investigators also found that investments in anti-smoking efforts (higher prices, media campaigns, smoke-free policies) were effective in reducing smoking.
For this study, researchers examined data from the National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program.
The CDC offers a number of free programs available to anyone wanting help to quit smoking.
Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or visit smokefree.gov (link below).
