Cancer deaths dropped for the second straight year, with 3,014 fewer cancer deaths reported in 2004 than in 2003, according to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Statistics, 2007. The drop represents only the second decrease in more than 70 years of record-keeping, and came even as the population continues to get older.

While this is good news overall, please realize that cancer is still a pervasive threat -- in 2004, over half a million people (553,888) died from various forms of cancer.

There are, however, many ways that you can cut your cancer risk, and I’ve detailed 12 of them in a past article. Some of the primary methods to reduce your cancer risk include:

• Control your insulin levels by limiting your intake of processed foods and sugar
• Get appropriate amounts of animal-based omega-3 fats
• Exercise regularly, and with the proper intensity
• Normalize your vitamin D levels with safe amounts of sun exposure
• Eat according to your nutritional type

CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians January/February 2007, 57: 43-66

USA Today January 17, 2007