For the first time in more than 70 years, U.S. cancer death rates have dropped, the American Cancer Society reported today. There were 369 fewer cancer-related deaths in 2003, the latest year for which figures are available, than in 2002.

Experts in the field say the drop in mortality rates is due to a combination of factors, including a decrease in smoking and improved detection and treatment of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.

"People are beginning to take better care of themselves. New treatments are being developed, and technology is constantly advancing," said Dr. Bruce Feinberg, President/CEO of Atlanta-based Georgia Cancer Specialists, the largest private oncology practice in the Southeast. "We still have a long road ahead of us, but this is a great step forward."

The Georgia Cancer Foundation is a statewide non-profit based in Atlanta that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families through education, early detection, and support.

"We are seeing improvements in cancer survival statistics, and those improvements will continue as long as we can get the word out about the importance of screening and early detection," said Brenda Horne, Executive Director of GCF.

Improvements in cancer treatments are another big cause of the decline in cancer deaths.

"Technological advances in radiation therapy have allowed us to tailor our cancer treatment to the patient and target only the afflicted area, sparing healthy tissues," said Dr. Dale McCord, President/CEO of Atlanta Oncology Associates, one of the largest radiation therapy groups in the Southeast. "This leads to a vast improvement in the patients quality of life."

Experts at the American Cancer Society predict that the decrease will continue over the next several years.

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