Causal Argument Paper - Essay Example

The deaths have dropped by 1.8 percent in men and 1.6 percent in women each year. Several causes are attributed to the decrease in the rate of cancer in the United States of America. In this paper, I discuss three causes that have led to the decrease of cancer rates in U.S., which include life changes, change in diagnostic and treatment related aspects and sensitization and awareness programs. The most notable cause of decrease in the number of cancer related illnesses in the U.S is the change in lifestyle of Americans.

Today, cancer has been attributed to unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, more consumption of alcohol and smoking. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) asserts that about 300 people out of 100,000 people in America develop cancer each year. (American Cancer Society 3) This means that the U.S ranks as the seventh country with the highest number of cancer diseases in the whole world. These numbers were compiled using the World Health Organization’s estimates. AICR also indicates that the U.

S is the tenth country in terms of cancers in men and eighth in terms of cancers in women. Because of the realization of the fact that cancers occur because of the lifestyle people lead, many have decided to change their lifestyles. MedicineNet states, “Behavioral, lifestyle, and environmental factors contribute to cancer. Cancer prevention involves modifying these factors to decrease cancer risk” (MedicineNet). Many people in the U.S check into fitness facilities or have fitness equipment in their houses that they use to exercise in the morning or evening, or at their appropriate time.

Others choose to run distances in order to keep fit. In addition, it has been reported that the smoking rate among Americans has dropped significantly. In addition to this, most people have started eating healthily for instance by consuming less red meat and more whole grains and vegetables that are high in fiber content that helps in keeping a healthy weight. Consuming more fruits and nuts as well as fish and moderation of alcohol consumption has contributed to the reduction in the rates of cancer in the U.S. All these issues are considered as a manifestation of lifestyle change by Americans and have helped in the decrease of cancer cases.

However, this is not to say that all people have changed their lifestyles, but the majority who have, experience less risks (MedicineNet). The second cause of the reduction in the rate of cancer cases in the U.S is the change in diagnostic and treatment related issues. This cause is especially tied to certain types of cancers such as breast cancer. It is noteworthy to indicate that breast cancer has been the leading cause of deaths in women, in the United States, in terms of the deaths caused by cancer.

The high cases of breast cancer especially in European countries have been attributed to the high prevalence of reproductive factors that are linked to early menarche, late child bearing, and use of menopausal hormone therapy, fewer pregnancies and increased screening through mammography. However, DeSantis states, “Breast cancer incidence rates in the United States have decreased since the early 2000s largely due to reduction in the use of menopausal hormone therapy” (Jemal and DeSantis. 1896).

Other factors include reduction in the use of mammography and the decrease in the number of preclinical cases found