According to statistics published by the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 1.5 million new cancer cases diagnosed each year over the next decade. What factors contribute to the yearly incidence and mortality rates of various cancers in Americans? What changes in policy and practice are most likely to affect these figures over time?

Factors that contribute to the yearly incidence and mortality rates of various cancers in Americans are smoking, obesity, lack of activity, poor nutrition, lack of protection from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, not vaccinating against human papillary virus (HPV), lack of cancer screening for both men, women and adolescents such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin screening and testing such as procedures, imaging, and biopsy and cytology testing (Mark Your Bottom,“ n.d.).

Changes in policy and practice that can improve these cancer cases starts with education which can come in the form of doctor’s office and schools. Advertisement can make a huge impact on awareness. This can be shared on the news, commercials on TV and at the movie theater, billboards, and through social media. Awareness is key.