CLEVELAND, Ohio — Being diagnosed with cancer is one of the most heart-wrenching moments a person can face. And according to the American Cancer Society, around two million people here in the United States will have to go through that this year.

What You Need To Know

  • According to the American Cancer Society, the cancer death rate in the U.S. has gone down a third over the past 30 years.

  • The organization attributes prevention, early detection, and better treatment options for the drop in death rate.

  • Besides early detection and preventions, the American Cancer Society urges adults to get their children vaccinated against HPV.

  • Most HPV vaccine doses can begin in a child’s preteen years.

 

But thankfully, hope is on the horizon.

According to the American Cancer Society, the cancer death rate in the U.S. has gone down a third over the past 30 years.

The organization attributes prevention, early detection, and better treatment options for the drop in death rate.

While this is a positive step in the medical field, an Ohio-based oncologist says more work is still needed to further lower that death rate.

“It’s also important that we don’t get lax, and we stay focused on coming up with better ways to prevent disease, early detection, and treatment options,” said Dr. Dale Shepard, an oncologist with Cleveland Clinic.

Besides early detection and preventions. Shepard urges adults to get their children vaccinated against HPV.

Most HPV vaccine doses can begin in a child’s preteen years.