An annual report on cancer statistics in the United States finds that deaths from the four most common cancers continue to decline. Less people died from lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers in the late 1990s, and deaths from all cancers combined stabilized at this time as well. The report, published by federal cancer experts in early September 2003, suggests that further declines in cancer are possible with strong federal, state, local, and private partnerships to increase cancer screening programs to all population groups.

A newly published study confirms previous findings which show that women who are diagnosed with early stage breast cancer have equal chances of surviving disease, regardless of whether they undergo a lumpectomy (followed by radiation therapy) or a mastectomy. For over a decade, the National Institutes of Health has recommended that women with early stage breast cancers be offered the option of either lumpectomy and radiation therapy or mastectomy. Yet despite this recommendation, more mastectomies than lumpectomies are still performed on early stage breast cancer patients.

Results of a recent study find no link between the use of antihistamines and an increased risk of breast cancer. Some animal experts had found that antihistamines and antidepressants promoted the growth of tumors in mice, leading some to speculate that these medications may increase breast cancer risk in humans. However, a study of over 6,000 women found no elevated breast cancer risk among women with a history of antihistamine use, regardless of age or duration of use.

Recreational exercise may reduce the risk of breast cancer in older
women, according to new findings by the U.S. government research
project, the Women's Health Initiative. Women over age 50 who engaged in the equivalent of 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of brisk walking reduced their risk of developing breast cancer by 18%, compared with women who did not exercise. The effect was greatest in women who exercised the most frequency. Researchers say the study highlights the fact that post-menopausal women need not engage in strenuous activity to reduce their risk of breast cancer.