John Gress / Reuters
A report released Tuesday found that a 22 percent decrease in cancer death rates during the past 20 years has saved the lives of more than 1.5 million Americans, according to the American Cancer Society. The annual report pointed to a decline in U.S. smoking habits, more cancer-prevention awareness, cancer treatment improvements, and advances in early detection practices as the factors behind the death rate drop. The American Cancer Society looked at cancer diagnoses, mortality, and survival data to find that the pace of cancer deaths is decreasing in every state, with Northeastern states experiencing the biggest decrease, of 25 to 30 percent. “The continuing drops we’re seeing in cancer mortality are reason to celebrate, but not to stop,” said John R. Seffrin, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society.