Delaware sees progress against cancer

    Health officials say Delaware is making progress in the fight against cancer thanks to better screening and treatment.

    Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay says the state has fallen from second highest in the nation for cancer mortality in the late 1990s to 14th place 10 years later.

    The rate for cancer cases overall remained about the same in the five-year measurements between 1995 and 1999 and 2005 and 2009. But officials say Delaware’s cancer death rates decreased nearly 19 percent over that period. Rattay credits better screening and treatment for the drop.

    However, Rattay says Delaware has seen increases in several cancers. She and other health officials stress the importance of prevention by eliminating risks such as smoking, alcohol abuse, poor diet, inactivity and exposure to UV light.

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