Deaths from breast cancer declining in US

Patient meeting with doctor.
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KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross. 

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — More women are being diagnosed with breast cancer than ever before, but there is positive news that deaths from breast cancer are still declining in the United States even as more women are being diagnosed with the disease.

The National Cancer Institute has found that the national decline in breast cancer deaths, which began about 30 years ago, is still evident.

Between 1989 and 2017, the overall death rate dropped 40 percent. Major drug advances, including the medication herceptin, has fueled the increased survival rate. 

Researchers are looking at the rise in cases diagnosed and looking at risk factors or lifestyle changes that may make a difference. 

Early detection remains an important part of increasing the chances of survival.