INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana Cancer Consortium (ICC) and the American Cancer Society has released the Indiana Cancer Facts and Figures 2012, the State’s only comprehensive report on the burden of cancer.
“This report has the most recent cancer information available and identifies current cancer trends and their potential impact on Hoosiers,” said State Health Commissioner Gregory Larkin, M.D. “This helps give us a more comprehensive understanding of Indiana’s progress towards meeting the goals and objectives outlined in the Indiana Cancer Consortium state cancer control plan.”
Major findings in the report include:
• Annually, more than 30,000 Indiana residents are diagnosed with cancer. Also, an estimated 2.4 million Hoosiers, or two in five persons now living in Indiana, will eventually develop cancer during their lifetime.
• Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Indiana. Approximately 12,000 Hoosiers succumb to cancer each year.
• Indiana’s age-adjusted cancer incidence rate during 2004–2008 was 475.6 per 100,000 people, statistically higher but similar to the national rate of 471.8 per 100,000 people. However, during the same period, Indiana’s age-adjusted cancer mortality rate was eight percent higher than the national rate (195.8 versus 181.3 deaths per 100,000 people).
• The most commonly occurring cancers for both the state and the nation are the same. Excluding skin cancers, breast and prostate are the most prevalent cancers among females and males, respectively. Lung and colon cancers are the next most common cancers among both sexes. Annually, lung cancer is responsible for the most cancer-related deaths among both sexes.
• In Indiana from 1999 to 2008, the age-adjusted incidence rates for all cancers combined decreased 0.5 percent from 466.5 to 464.1 cases per 100,000 people. Likewise, the age-adjusted cancer mortality rates decreased by 10.6 percent from 215.4 to 194.8 deaths per 100,000 people. Trends varied among the different cancer types.
“The report indicates that progress continues to be made in the early detection and treatment of certain cancers, and that the incidence and mortality of some cancers is declining, both very positive signs for Indiana,” said Larkin. “However, a significant burden still exists among Hoosiers that requires continued and more targeted cancer prevention and control efforts.”
Many cancers can be prevented by modifying external risk factors and making lifestyles choices, such as eliminating tobacco use, improving dietary habits, increasing physical activity, losing weight, and avoiding excessive sun and infectious disease exposures. Furthermore, many cancers can be prevented or identified at an early stage if people receive regular medical care and obtain early detection cancer screenings.
The Indiana Cancer Facts and Figures 2012 report was released today during the ICC Annual Meeting at Joseph E. Walther Hall on the campus of IUPUI. In addition to unveiling the report, an expert panel of health professionals discussed issues currently surrounding cancer screening guidelines and recommendations for breast and prostate cancer and use of the HPV vaccine to help prevent cervical and other cancer types.
“The ICC is working to reduce the burden of cancer in Indiana. In order to lead this effort, it is vital for the ICC to share timely cancer data and the latest advancements in cancer control with our partners,” said Sara Edgerton, ICC Co-Chair. “Together, we can better the lives of everyone affected by cancer in Indiana.”
The ICC is a statewide network of partnerships whose mission is to reduce the cancer burden in Indiana through the development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive plan that address cancer across the continuum from prevention through palliation. Participation in the ICC is open to all organizations and individuals interested in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, quality of life, data collection and advocacy regarding cancer-related issues.
To download a copy of the Indiana Cancer Facts & Figures 2012 and to find additional information about cancer prevention and control in Indiana, visit the ICC’s website at www.indianacancer.org.
