cancer

Recent Cancer Report Reflects the Importance of Early Screening

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Every year, the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer offers a snapshot of the nation’s ongoing battle against cancer. This collaborative effort from  the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides crucial insights into cancer incidence, mortality, and trends. 

From the public health perspective, this report helps highlight both the progress we’ve made and the areas where our work can make the biggest difference — particularly when it comes to the life-saving potential of early screenings.

 

Key Takeaways in Cancer Trends

The latest report paints a picture of both encouraging advancements and persistent challenges in the fight against cancer. One of the most significant positive trends is the steady decline in overall cancer death rates observed between 2001 and 2022. This sustained decrease underscores the impact of advancements in treatment, early detection methods, and prevention efforts.

At the same time, new cancer diagnoses among women grew steadily among women between 2003 and 2021 — largely driven by a consistent rise in breast cancer diagnoses. However, the overall mortality rate from breast cancer has been on the decline.

The report shows a profound impact in public health initiatives directed at curtailing harmful habits. The decline in smoking and increasing prevalence of smoking cessation programs over the past two decades has resulted in a significant drop in tobacco-related cancers.

Conversely, the report highlights an emerging trend of concern: a rise in the incidence of cancers associated with obesity. These include cancers of the female breast, uterus, colon and rectum, pancreas, kidney, and liver. 

 

Decoding the Data: What Cancer Rates Really Tell Us

Understanding the data from this report requires us to look beyond the numbers. It’s especially important to recognize that changes in cancer rates don’t always translate directly to changes in the actual occurrence of cancer. For instance, an increase in reported cancer cases in a community might understandably cause concern. However, this increase could actually reflect more effective and widespread screening programs. 

Screening programs are designed to detect cancers earlier, often at a more treatable stage. While this leads to a higher number of diagnoses being recorded, the early detection is also a significant contributor to better outcomes.

It’s notable how the overall rate of new cancer cases in the United States plummeted 8 percent in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the pandemic disruptions making it more difficult for patients to see their doctor, it was more challenging for them to receive the screenings that could lead to early detection. New cancer cases returned to expected levels in 2021. 

 

The Power of Prevention: How Cancer Screenings Improve Our Understanding

Cancer screenings are more than just tests; they are powerful tools that significantly enhance our understanding and management of cancer. By proactively looking for signs of cancer in individuals who may not yet have symptoms, screenings offer several key advantages:

  • Early Detection: This is perhaps the most critical benefit. Detecting cancer at an earlier stage, when it is often smaller and hasn’t spread, dramatically improves the chances of successful treatment and survival.
  • Identifying Precancerous Changes: Some screenings can identify precancerous conditions, allowing for interventions that can prevent cancer from developing in the first place.
  • Understanding Disease Patterns: Population-wide screening data contributes valuable information to our understanding of cancer incidence, prevalence, and risk factors within specific communities. This data helps inform public health initiatives and resource allocation.
  • Empowering Individuals: Screening programs empower individuals to take an active role in their health. Knowing their screening options and understanding the potential benefits can lead to earlier diagnosis and better health outcomes.

 

Your Local Support: Cancer Screening Services at the Uncas Health District

The Uncas Health District is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our community through various cancer prevention and early detection initiatives. We proudly offer resources and support for:

We encourage you to reach out to the Uncas Health District to learn more about available screening programs and how you can take proactive steps towards cancer prevention and early detection. Your health is our priority, and early detection can make a life-changing difference.

Reducing Your Risk of Alcohol-Related Cancers

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April is Alcohol Awareness Month, which seeks to improve public understanding of issues ranging from alcohol abuse to impaired driving. It’s also a good time to be aware of the potential cancer risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

In January 2025, an advisory from the Office of the Surgeon General warned that alcohol increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer. Some studies have also suggested an increased risk of other types of cancer associated with drinking alcohol.

With summer approaching — a time when nicer weather, holidays, and get-togethers often lead to more social drinking — it’s important to understand the connection between alcohol and cancer. By doing so, we can take proactive steps to adopt healthier habits.

 

How Alcohol Contributes to Cancer

Alcohol has long been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer — putting it in the same category as asbestos and tobacco. This is because our bodies break down alcohol into a toxic chemical called acetalaldehyde, which can damage DNA and increase the possibility of uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.

Alcohol can contribute to the risk of cancer in other ways as well. These include producing free radicals during metabolism that can damage DNA or other cellular components, elevating the risk of breast cancer by increasing estrogen levels in women, acting as a solvent that makes it easier for other carcinogens to enter the body’s cells, and impairing the absorption of essential nutrients that strengthen cells and protect against cancer.

Cancers that develop as a result of alcohol consumption are most likely to affect the following parts of the body:

  • Mouth
  • Throat
  • Larynx (voice box)
  • Esophagus 
  • Breast (in women)
  • Liver
  • Colon and rectum

Some studies have also suggested that alcohol consumption may increase the risk of cancers affecting the stomach, pancreas, and prostate.

 

Factors that Increase the Risk of Alcohol-Related Cancers

While any level of alcohol consumption carries some risk of alcohol-related cancers, certain factors can significantly increase this risk. 

The amount and frequency of drinking is the most significant factor affecting cancer risk. The more alcohol a person drinks over time, the more at risk they are of developing cancer. What constitutes “excessive drinking” will vary based on a person’s physical attributes and health, but is generally defined as more than one standard drink per day for women and two standard drinks per day for men. 

A standard drink is defined as 1.5 fluid ounces of distilled spirits (which contain about 40% alcohol) or five fluid ounces of wine (which contains about 12% alcohol). Twelve fluid ounces of beer is a standard drink when it contains about 5% alcohol, although it should be noted that certain IPAs and other types of beer have a significantly higher alcohol content.

The risk of developing cancer as a result of alcohol consumption can also be affected by:

  • Smoking: The combination of smoking and drinking significantly elevates the risk of several concerns, particularly head and neck cancers and esophageal cancer. The effects are often synergistic, meaning the combined risk is greater than the sum of the individual risks.
  • Diet and Nutrition: Since alcohol can impede nutrient uptake, the carcinogenic effects of drinking can be worsened by poor dietary habits.
  • Overall Health: Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or health issues, or genetic variations that affect how their bodies process alcohol, may be at higher risk.
  • Gender: Women tend to be more susceptible to the carcinogenic effects of alcohol at lower levels of consumption compared to men, possibly due to differences in body size, metabolism, and hormone levels.

 

Risk Reduction Strategies

By making informed choices about alcohol consumption, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing alcohol-related cancers. Here are some strategies you can adopt:

  • Avoid alcohol altogether: Since all alcohol consumption comes with some increased cancer risk, complete sobriety is the only guaranteed way to avoid alcohol-related cancers.
  • Moderate your drinking: If you do choose to drink, moderate your intake to no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men. 
  • Reduce drinking frequency: Consider having alcohol-free days during the week, or “dry” periods where you completely stop drinking.
  • Understand standard drink sizes: Make sure the drinks you are consuming are within the standard drink sizes and alcohol content levels.
  • Avoid binge drinking: Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time is particularly harmful and can increase cancer risk.
  • Adopt other healthy habits: A nutritious diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking can all improve your health and reduce your overall cancer risk.
  • Talk to your doctor: If you have concerns about your alcohol consumption or your risk of alcohol-related cancer, talk to your doctor. They can provide personalized advice and support.

Cancer Prevention Month: Taking Action to Reduce Your Risk

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woman eating healthy after exercising

Every February, Cancer Prevention Month serves as a reminder that while cancer remains a formidable health challenge, many cases are preventable through lifestyle choices and proactive health measures. With an estimated 2 million Americans diagnosed with cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) in 2024 and more than 600,000 cancer-related deaths, the urgency for awareness and prevention has never been greater.

The Preventable Nature of Cancer

Research indicates that more than 40% of cancer cases and nearly half of cancer-related deaths stem from preventable causes. These include smoking, excessive body weight, physical inactivity, and overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This means that by making informed choices, individuals can significantly lower their cancer risk.

Proactive Steps to Lower Cancer Risk

  1. Quit Smoking (or Never Start) Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable cancer. Smoking is directly linked to lung, throat, mouth, pancreas, and several other cancers. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most impactful steps you can take for your health. If you don’t smoke, avoiding secondhand smoke is equally important.
  2. Maintain a Healthy Weight Obesity is associated with increased risks of several cancers, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer. A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains, coupled with portion control, can help maintain a healthy weight.
  3. Stay Physically Active Regular exercise not only helps control weight but also reduces inflammation, regulates hormone levels, and boosts the immune system—all factors that can lower cancer risk. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
  4. Protect Your Skin from the Sun Skin cancer, including melanoma, is largely preventable. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wear protective clothing, and avoid indoor tanning. Limiting direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), is also key.
  5. Get Vaccinated Certain cancers are caused by infections. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can prevent cervical, throat, and other cancers, while the hepatitis B vaccine reduces the risk of liver cancer.
  6. Limit Alcohol Consumption Excessive alcohol intake is linked to an increased risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast. Moderation is key—guidelines recommend no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
  7. Get Regular Screenings and Checkups Early detection saves lives. Routine screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap smears can detect cancer at an early, more treatable stage. Consult your doctor about recommended screenings based on your age, family history, and lifestyle.

The Bigger Cancer Prevention Picture

Many diagnosed cancers in the U.S. are considered preventable. While not all can be avoided, taking proactive steps can dramatically reduce risk and improve overall health. This Cancer Prevention Month, commit to small, meaningful changes that can lead to a longer, healthier life.

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month — What You Need to Know

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woman with cervical cancer ribbon

January marks National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society estimated there will have been about 13,960 new cases of invasive cancer diagnosed, and about 4,310 women will have died from cervical cancer in 2023. The 2020 CDC data for Connecticut shows there were 96 cases reported, equaling a cervical cancer rate of 4.8 per 100,000 women.

Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer, increasing in people over the age of 30. Certain types of HPV are the main cause of cervical cancer. Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Click here to see more information about cervical cancer risk.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix — the lower part of the uterus (womb).

The cervix connects the body of the uterus (the upper part where a fetus grows) to the vagina (birth canal). Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control.

The cervix is made of two parts and is covered with two different types of cells.

  • The endocervix is the opening of the cervix that leads into the uterus. It is covered with glandular cells.
  • The exocervix (or ectocervix) is the outer part of the cervix that can be seen by the doctor during a speculum exam. It is covered in squamous cells.

The place where these two cell types meet in the cervix is called the transformation zone. The exact location of the transformation zone changes as you get older and if you give birth. Most cervical cancers begin in the cells in the transformation zone.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Cervical cancer may not present with signs or symptoms in its early stages. Advanced cervical can cause bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is not normal for you. The best way to reduce risk is to see your doctor regularly, comply with screening recommendations, and report anything to your doctor that is not normal for you. See the attached documents for more detailed information.

Types of Treatment

If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, you will be referred to a gynecologic oncologist to develop a treatment plan. Cervical cancer is treated in several ways. It depends on the kind of cervical cancer and how far it has spread. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

  • Surgery: Doctors remove cancer tissue in an operation.
  • Chemotherapy: Using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer. The drugs can be pills you take or medicines given in your veins, or sometimes both.
  • Radiation: Using high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer.

 Insurance and Income: For those who are concerned they cannot afford care

Screening and treatment are covered under most insurance policies. But what if you, or someone you know, is uninsured or underinsured and cannot afford care? In Connecticut, the DPH has the Connecticut Early Detection & Prevention Program (CEDPP).

The CEDPP is an integrated program that brings breast and cervical cancer screening together with the WISEWOMAN, Colorectal Cancer, and Comprehensive Cancer programs, which helps promote healthy lifestyles for Connecticut Residents in order to decrease breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, heart disease, hypertension, and other avoidable diseases. If you, or someone you know, needs to receive screening but cannot afford it, please go to the Early Detection and Prevention Program website to determine eligibility.

Cervical Cancer Facts

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: the importance of screening and early detection

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is among the most common cancers among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States in 2023, and 43,700 women will die from the disease.

While breast cancer can be a devastating disease, it is important to remember that early detection is key. When breast cancer is found early and treated promptly, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%. That’s why it’s so important to get regular breast cancer screenings.

Why is getting screened important?

Breast cancer screening tests can help find breast cancer early when it is most treatable. When breast cancer is found early, it is often smaller and less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. This means that treatment is often more effective and less invasive.

Who should get screened?

The ACS recommends that all women at average risk of breast cancer begin getting annual mammograms at age 40. Women at higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease, may need to start screening earlier.

How often should I get screened?

The ACS recommends that most women get a mammogram every year. However, some women may need to get screened more often, depending on their individual risk factors.

If I find a lump in my breast, what should I do?

If you find a lump in your breast, it is important to see a doctor right away. Most breast lumps are not cancer, but it is important to have them checked out by a doctor to be sure.

How can I support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

There are many ways to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are a few ideas:

  • Get screened for breast cancer.
  • Talk to your friends and family about the importance of getting screened.
  • Donate to a breast cancer charity.
  • Volunteer your time to help people affected by breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a serious disease, but it is one that is often treatable when found early. That’s why it’s so important to get regular breast cancer screenings. If you are 40 or older, talk to your doctor about your risk of breast cancer and whether you should start getting screened.