Prostate, Breast Leading Cancers in U.S.

A federal report on cancer rates shows prostate cancer is the leading cancer among U.S. men and breast cancer is the most common form seen in women.

The leading cause of cancer death in men and women is lung cancer, according to the report U.S. Cancer Statistics: 2001 Incidence and Mortality from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC said the report contains information on cancer rates by state and territories and for the first time incidence and death rates for specific cancers and for Hispanics.

Having highly accurate data about which cancers most commonly strike specific groups, such as the Hispanic population, means we can better meet prevention, care and treatment needs, Health and Human Services Secretary Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said in a statement.

Among the key state findings in the report, the District of Columbia has the highest rate of prostate cancer, Washington State has the highest rate of female breast cancer, and Kentucky has the highest rate of colorectal cancer in men.