Why Are Statistics Important?

Statistical data offer important clues into the effects of cancer on humankind. Analyzing this information serves both logistical and emotional functions.

A thorough examination of up-to-date statistical data illustrate how race, gender, geographical location, age, and other physical factors play important roles in the development of cancer. Patients and survivors can use this information to confirm that they are not alone. In 2008, more than 1,400,000 new cancer cases were reported in the United States.

Cancer statistics also aid in the efforts of hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and other medical and social organizations. These entities use statistical data to help direct their cancer-fighting resources. For example, statisics show that lung cancer is the most deadly cancer in North America. As a result, it has been the focus of extensive treatment research. Statistics also indicate that certain communities, namely those that are economically depressed, have higher rates of cancer occurrence.

What You Should Expect

The cancer statistics on KnowCancer.com have been assembled using data from the Northa American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR), National Center for Health Statistics, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All of our statistics have been cross-referenced, using only the most reputable sources.

Our statistical data will outline the estimated new cases and deaths for the year 2008 in the United States. Due to the delayed release of the US final mortality data for 2006 by the National Center for Health Statistics, the estimated cancer statistics for 2009 have not yet been published. We will include a wide range of cancer statistics pertaining to gender, geographical location, age, and race.

Currently, our statistical data is undergoing a period of thorough review. Once the statistics are released, please let us know if there is anything else that you’d like to learn about.