A recent study published in JAMA Oncology on December 5, 2024, reveals that significant advancements in cancer prevention and screening have averted nearly 5.94 million deaths from five major cancers between 1975 and 2020.

The study, led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), focused on breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers, which are among the leading causes of cancer mortality.

Co-lead investigator Katrina A. B. Goddard emphasized that 80% of the deaths averted were due to improvements in prevention and screening rather than treatment, challenging common perceptions about cancer care.

For colorectal cancer specifically, 940,000 deaths were averted, with 79% attributed to screening and the removal of precancerous polyps.

Cervical cancer saw 160,000 deaths averted entirely through effective screening methods like Pap and HPV tests.

In lung cancer, smoking cessation efforts were identified as the most impactful prevention measure, accounting for 98% of the 3.45 million deaths averted.

In prostate cancer, screening through PSA testing contributed to 56% of the 360,000 deaths averted, with treatment advances making up the remaining 44%.

Breast cancer prevention efforts led to the averted deaths of 1 million individuals, primarily due to treatment advancements.

The authors of the study called for optimizing prevention and screening strategies, particularly in underserved populations, to maximize the benefits of these interventions.

The findings highlight the necessity for improved access to prevention and screening, especially for marginalized groups, and the need for new strategies for cancers that currently lack effective interventions.

While the study provides valuable insights, it is important to note that the findings are based on U.S. population averages and may not apply universally to all cancer types.

Ultimately, the researchers emphasized the importance of integrating effective prevention, screening, and treatment strategies to continue reducing cancer mortality rates.