Elmont Online

ALBANY -- Nearly 3,000 fewer New Yorkers died of cancer last year compared with a decade ago, according to the state's new draft cancer plan.

The draft report obtained by the Associated Press also shows nearly 7,000 more cases of cancer were diagnosed last year compared with a decade earlier, led by prostate cancer and breast cancer. The state Health Department attributes the trends mainly to early and better detection through screenings and advanced treatment, which along with goals to reduce smoking, indoor tanning and obesity are meant to keep cutting the death rate.

"Data show that 65 percent of all individuals diagnosed with cancer in the years from 2004-2008 survived," the report said, citing National Cancer Institute statistics with particular gains among children. "Five- and 10-year survival rates for all children younger than age 15 diagnosed with cancer improved from 61 percent in the late '70s to 88.5 percent by 2002."

The New York findings show a 7 percent decrease in cancer deaths statewide in a decade to an estimated 34,540 last year, while diagnoses increased 7 percent, to 103,340.

National data suggest a 14 percent increase in new diagnoses and 7 percent rise in deaths at the same time. The National Cancer Institute reports an estimated 1,344,164 new cancer cases and 533,080 recorded deaths from the disease in 2000. The American Cancer Society estimated, based on preliminary data, 1,529,560 new diagnoses and 569,490 deaths in 2010. Though deaths increased, those data show a lower mortality rate from the disease because the U.S. population grew by 27 million.

New York's 2011-2016 Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan calls for evidence-based environmental health initiatives to reduce exposure to carcinogens, while noting some traditional health culprits including asbestos, mold, carbon monoxide, radon, lead paint, radiation, pesticides and unsafe drinking water. It also stresses the need for continued reductions in smoking and tanning, and eating more fruits and vegetables.

But some vocal critics say the report that will direct the state's efforts for the next five years ignores some of the biggest threats, failing to warn against common environmental threats including dioxins in food and the air New Yorkers breathe.