In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump asserted that his administration played a crucial role in the decline of cancer rates in the United States, despite the fact that this trend has been ongoing for 26 years. Since taking office in 2017, Trump has made numerous claims about his administration’s achievements, including economic improvements and record attendance at his rallies. So when a report indicated a drop in cancer death rates, he quickly suggested that his governance was a contributing factor.
On Thursday, Trump tweeted, “U.S. Cancer Death Rate Lowest In Recorded History! A lot of good news coming out of this Administration.” However, this assertion was met with skepticism from the American Cancer Society, which recently published a report in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians revealing that cancer mortality rates had decreased for the 26th consecutive year, with 2017 marking the largest reduction yet.
The report highlighted that cancer death rates have been on a continuous decline since 1991, noting a significant drop of 2.2 percent between 2016 and 2017, primarily driven by decreases in lung cancer rates. Gary M. Reedy, CEO of the American Cancer Society, clarified that these improvements were not attributable to the Trump administration. He stated, “The trends in mortality we see are the result of prevention, early detection, and advancements in treatment that occurred in previous years.”
In response to Trump’s claims, Congresswoman Lisa Thompson from Florida took to Twitter, emphasizing that cancer rates were already decreasing before Trump took office. She remarked, “This good news is despite you – not because of you,” pointing out that proposed budget cuts to research funding for the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute could have hindered progress.
Interestingly, shortly after taking office, Trump had proposed cuts to cancer research funding, which raised concerns among health professionals regarding the impact on future advancements. The American Cancer Society’s report underscored the importance of continued research and preventive measures, stating, “Cancer remains a significant public health challenge globally, ranking as the second leading cause of death in the United States.”
It is crucial to recognize the underlying factors contributing to the decline in cancer rates, such as reduced smoking prevalence and enhanced screening and treatment options. For more information on related topics, check out our other blog post here. Additionally, for those interested in fertility solutions, visit this resource for expert insights. For guidance on pregnancy, refer to this excellent resource.
In summary, while Trump may seek to take credit for the decline in cancer rates, the evidence points to long-standing trends driven by prior advancements in health care. As we continue to combat cancer, it is vital to stay informed and support ongoing research efforts.
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