Cancer rates’ decline is just the start

dispatch.com – 11 de Febrero de 2015 – EEUU

I wish to comment on the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram article “ Cancer death rates drop 22% in 2 decades” in the Feb. 2 Dispatch, and the New York Times article “ Half as many exposed to secondhand smoke” in the Feb. 4 Dispatch.

The decrease in lung-cancer rates from a reduction in tobacco use and of secondhand smoke go beyond just “good news,” it’s fabulous news. Moving the dial on lung cancer in our nation and in our community, and turning the tide on the huge public burden tobacco use causes, is a great collective accomplishment.

Yet tobacco use still remains the leading preventable cause of death. Most smokers start before the age of 18, and 40 percent of all children and 70 percent of black children in the United States are exposed to secondhand smoke. Smokeless tobacco, including e-cigarettes, contains 28 cancer-causing agents (carcinogens). Clearly, there is still much more to be done.

The news that cancer rates are declining is great news. The news that secondhand-smoke exposure has dropped is great news. Those in our community who have helped make this happen should feel great.

Now let’s go forward together with renewed energy to push the numbers downward ever still, until tobacco use is a thing of the past.

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