Cancer Information | Cancer Patient CareFacts About Cancer“Cancer is now the number one cause of death among all Americans under age 85.” “There were 2,439 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Eastern Washington in 2003. In Spokane County, this amounted to 1,894 cases.” Survival Rate:The 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers diagnosed between 1995 and 2000 is 64%, up from 50% in 1974-1976, due in part to progress in early detection and improved or new treatments. Cancer & Poverty:According to Dr. Samuel Broder, former director of the US National Cancer Institute, “poverty is a carcinogen… Poor and uninsured people are more likely to be treated for cancer at late stages of disease and are more likely to die from cancer.” Low-income cancer patients are 1.5 – 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage cancers. They are 2-3 times more likely to die due to late diagnosis and lack of adequate follow-up care. Uninsured in Eastern Washington:• In 2002, there were over 131,000 persons2005 Poverty levels in Spokane County:• Are at 13.7%, above both national and state levels
• Over 57,000 county residents live at or below the federal poverty levels. |
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