But 64 Die Of Disease Each Week
While cancer rates in Queens are decreasing, almost 200 people are still diagnosed with the disease every week, according to a statewide study by the American Cancer Society (ACS).
The report found that 192 individuals receive cancer diagnoses weekly, while 64 people die from cancer every week.
The four most common forms of cancer for Queens residents are prostate cancer (15.1 percent of all cases), female breast cancer (14.2 percent), colorectal cancer (11.3 percent) and lung cancer (11.5 percent).
These four types of cancer account for over half of all diagnoses throughout New York State.
Lung cancer accounts for 22.7 percent of all cancer-related deaths.
The annual incidence rate (the number of cases per 100,000 people) has steadily decreased in the borough since 1994, the study found. Between 1994 and 1998, 445.6 of every 100,000 Queens residents suffered from cancer; this number decreased to 425.6 per 100,000 residents between 1999 and 2003 and 412.5 per 100,000 residents between 2004 and 2008.
Mortality rates have similarly fallen, from 178 per 100,000 residents between 1994 and 1998 to 137.4 per 100,000 residents between 2004 and 2008.
Both incidence and mortality rates in Queens are better that rates throughout the city.
Statewide, the study found that over 107,000 New Yorkers were diagnosed with cancer in 2011, and over 34,000 died from the disease.
Prostate cancer is the state’s most common form of the disease, while lung cancer is the largest cause of death.
The study also found that cancer rates upstate are greater than those in New York City.
To drive cancer rates down further, the ACS suggested that the state spend more money on anti-smoking initiatives, enact legislation that would increase access to healthy food and exercise to curb obesity, ban minors from tanning salons, and ensure that state residents have access to adequate health insurance coverage.
