Cancer was the second leading cause of all deaths in the U.S. and the leading cause of YPLL in 1997. In Michigan, 40.7 percent of cancer deaths occurred to individuals aged 75 or older in 1998. In the same year, individuals ages 50 to 74 years accounted for 51.2 percent of deaths due to cancer. African-Americans had higher cancer death rates in 1998 than whites with rates of 161.1 and 121.1, respectively. African-American men had the highest cancer death rate of 211.5.
Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of cancer.
Early detection, through mammograms, Pap smears, sigmoidoscopies, and digital rectal exams may lead to increased survival. The department is actively working to decrease the incidence and impact of cancer . The department performs testing on a variety of biological and environmental specimens for cancer related toxins such as PCBs and pesticides. The department's Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program provides clinical breast exams and mammograms to screen for breast cancer and Pap smears to detect cervical cancer for women with lower incomes. Information about the efficacy of screening protocols is also monitored and analyzed.