Cancer

Cancer is a disease that starts when abnormal cells divide without control and invade other tissues in the body. There are more than 100 different types of cancer.

In Washington:

• 46,424 new cancer cases and 13,412 cancer deaths were reported for the year 2022

• Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women
• Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men.

• Lung and bronchus cancer causes the most cancer deaths overall

Certain groups of people are also more likely to get or die from all types or cancer, or be more likely to get certain types of cancer. For example, people who are uninsured or insured with Medicaid are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at Stage III or IV than people with private insurance.

Even though cancer is not entirely preventable, there are many steps you can take to reduce your chance of developing it, including:

• Eat a diverse diet, including more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
• Being physically active
• limiting alcohol use
• avoiding tobacco use and secondhand smoke
• receiving recommended screening and regular health care visits
• protecting your skin from direct skin exposure
• receiving available vaccines for the human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B (HBV)
• knowing your family health history and risks for cancer

What is the Department of Health doing about cancer?

DOH programs that specifically address cancer include:

• Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Program
• Washington State Cancer Registry
• Comprehensive Cancer Control Program

These three programs work together to develop and provide evidence-based interventions, build new partnerships, track cancer data, and support the work of people addressing cancer across Washington.

Looking for additional resources on specific cancers, treatment options, or locating care?

• American Cancer Society
• American Institute for Cancer Research - AICR
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Cancer CDC
• National Cancer Institute