According to a report from the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), cancer death rates in the United States fell by about 1.5% per year for both men and women between 2003 and 2012. Cancer incidence rates also dropped for men and remained stable for women. The declining rates of cancer deaths are attributed to better prevention and earlier detection efforts. However, liver cancer showed the highest increase in both death and incidence rates, with hepatitis C identified as a major factor. The report recommends increased testing for hepatitis C, especially for those born between 1945-1965 who are most at risk.

1. CANCER RATES ON THE
DECLINE IN THE UNITED
STATES
Sherif Mohamed El-Refai

2. Introduction
 Sherif Mohamed El-Refai serves as an oncology
pharmacist at Markey Cancer Center, a part of the
University of Kentucky. Also working toward a PhD in
pharmaceutical sciences from the university, Sherif
Mohamed El-Refai affiliates with the American
Pharmacists Association (APhA), a professional
organization committed to improving patient care
through the use of medication.
The APhA recently reported on findings from the
Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer
indicating that between 2003 and 2012 cancer death
rates in the United States fell by about 1.5 percent per
year for both men and women.

3. Cancer Rates
 Cancer incidence rates also dropped for men and
remained stable for women.
The reported attributed the declining rates of
cancer deaths to better prevention and earlier
detection. Liver cancer, however, showed the
highest increase of any cancer in both death and
incidence rates, and the study pointed to hepatitis
C as a major culprit. Hepatitis C can be treated,
and the report recommended testing, especially
for people born between 1945 and 1965, which is
the age group with the highest vulnerability of
contracting the virus.