U.S. Breast Cancer Deaths Fell Dramatically in the Past 20 Years

The past 20 years have seen a sharp drop in the number of deaths from breast cancer in the U.S., the latest government statistics indicate.

The number of deaths fell from 33 to 22 per 100,000 women between 1990 and 2011, USA Today reports. This decline — about 34% — represents more than 200,000 lives saved, the American Cancer Society said.

Experts say the downward trend, which they estimate has continued in the past four years as well, can be attributed to better treatment, rising awareness and more frequent checkups.

[USA Today]