Paul Goldfinger MD, Blogfinger.net. 1/17/26.
More Americans diagnosed with cancer are now surviving the disease, data show
The Washington Post(1/13, Chiu) reports that new data released Tuesday by the American Cancer Society (ACS) reveal that “more Americans diagnosed with cancer are now surviving the disease – marking a positive trend that experts say reflects the effectiveness of early prevention and detection strategies, and advancements in treatment and care.”
Results from the ACS’s annual report “show for the first time that the five-year survival rate for all cancers has reached 70%, with the most notable survival gains occurring among people diagnosed with more fatal cancers such as myeloma (a blood cancer), liver cancer and lung cancer.” According to the report, “the cancer mortality rate has continued to decline through 2023, averting 4.8 million deaths since 1991.” The data were published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Blogfinger comment: Towards the end of my career, I began to notice improved survival rates in patients with coronary heart disease and with cancer. With respect to cancer, we used to speak of 5 year survival rates as a touchstone for possible cures. It became clearer that many cases with cancer were looking like a chronic diseases instead of fatal ones. The same is true with HIV infections.
As noted above, successes were related to new drugs and to new prevention strategies. That is why Eileen published our book “Prevention Does Work, a Guide to Healthy Heart.” We emphasized nutrition.
But now we are enthused about the new US Department of Health pyramid guidelines released with the new year/. . It focuses on important nutritional recommendations.
Many trials have confirmed the importance of nutrition in prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The press release above does not mention the word “nutrition” so, coming from the AMA, that is disappointing, although the quote does mention “early prevention .” The new “Food Pyramid” was announced by the government:
‘Why was the food pyramid changed?
“At a White House briefing, Kennedy said he wanted Americans to eat “real food,” saying that the pyramid and guidelines it represents prioritize high quality protein, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables.
It’s in line with his “Make America Healthy Again” plan, which Kennedy has been attempting to implement across the federal government’s guidelines on everything from food to vaccines. ”
We are waiting to hear the details of this cancer “positive trend” especially in the nutrition aspects.
We continue to look favorably on Mediterranean diets. Meanwhile take a look at the new inverse pyramid. We will post more specifics especially in the dietary areas: “Whole Foods,” whole grains, vegetables, fruits, sugar, proteins, meats, saturated fats, dairy, cheese, “good fats” and food supplement recommendations currently coming to the surface.
“The idea of “evidence based” results still holds. Don’t fall for online or radio quacks. If your doctor never uses the words “prevention” or ” nutrition” then ask him/her about your diet. If necessary ask for a dietary referral to help you implement the latest pyramid.
Watch for more details including books and educational sources from the government,, and go online also, but stick to sources such as Mayo Clinic, NIH, Johns Hopkins, and New York City University Hospitals as well as authorities from highly regarded medical schools.
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