Prostate cancer is most common cancer in men; breast cancer for women

This report includes data from 43 states, six metropolitan areas, and the District of Columbia. Some of the findings showed that the highest incidence of prostate cancer and highest prostate cancer death rate is in the District of Columbia. The District of Columbia also has the highest breast cancer and colorectal cancer rate among women.

Sadly, nearly all such cancers are entirely preventable through nutrition, physical exercise and exposure to natural sunlight.

• The most comprehensive federal report available on state-specific cancer rates for the first time includes information on incidence and death rates, as well as data for Hispanics and a new section on mesothelioma and Kaposi's sarcoma.
• The report supplies essential state, population, racial, ethnic and gender information for tailored cancer prevention and control programs nationwide.
• The latest report shows prostate cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed overall in men in the United States and breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in U.S. women.
• The leading cause of cancer death for both men and women is lung cancer.
• Breaking out data by racial and ethnic populations, we have a broader and more accurate view of our nation's cancer problem, how it affects our diverse population and can intervene to combat this disease."
• The District of Columbia has the highest incidence rate of prostate cancer, and Arizona has the lowest.
• Kentucky has the highest incidence rate of colorectal cancer among men, and New Jersey has the highest incidence rate among women.
• Utah has the lowest colorectal cancer incidence rate among men and women.
• The District of Columbia has the highest prostate cancer death rate among men; Hawaii has the lowest.
• The District of Columbia has the highest female breast cancer death rate; South Dakota has the lowest.
• West Virginia has the highest lung cancer death rate among women.
• This information can be used to assist states focus appropriate cancer control interventions to increase access to screening and care.
• United States Cancer Statistics: 2001 Incidence and Mortality marks the third time the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), in collaboration with the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, have combined data to produce federal cancer statistics.