In 2014, it is estimated that 9,270 people will be diagnosed with cancer, and 3,300 will die from the disease. Every day, 25 Mainers are diagnosed with cancer, and nine die from the disease.
Lung cancer accounts for more deaths in Maine and the U.S. than any other cancer in both men and women. Approximately 1,400 cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed in Maine in 2014 with 970 deaths. 87% of all lung cancer can be directly attributed to the use of tobacco products and second-hand smoke.
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Maine women with an estimated 1,220 new cases in 2014 and 190 deaths.
In Maine, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, with approximately 1,160 new cases in 2014, and the second most common cause of cancer death in men—approximately 160 deaths. This is an improvement from 2010.
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women. It is also one of only two types of cancer than can be totally prevented by having a screening test—a colonoscopy will find small polyps and remove them before they become cancerous. It was estimated that there will be 700 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed in 2014 and 250 deaths from the disease.
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