The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2012, there will be 1,638,910 new cancer cases and 577,190 cancer deaths in the United States. Over the past decade (1999-2008), cancer death rates have declined by more than 1% annually for all racial/ethnic groups, except for American Indians/Alaska Natives, whose rates have remained stable. The most rapid declines in death rates occurred among African American and Hispanic men. Lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers are the leading causes of cancer deaths, with lung cancer accounting for nearly 40% of the total decline in men and breast cancer for 34% in women. The reduction in overall cancer death rates since 1990 has avoided about 1,024,400 deaths. The article also discusses regional variations in cancer rates, racial/ethnic disparities, and survival rates, highlighting the need for further progress in cancer control, particularly among low socioeconomic groups.The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2012, there will be 1,638,910 new cancer cases and 577,190 cancer deaths in the United States. Over the past decade (1999-2008), cancer death rates have declined by more than 1% annually for all racial/ethnic groups, except for American Indians/Alaska Natives, whose rates have remained stable. The most rapid declines in death rates occurred among African American and Hispanic men. Lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers are the leading causes of cancer deaths, with lung cancer accounting for nearly 40% of the total decline in men and breast cancer for 34% in women. The reduction in overall cancer death rates since 1990 has avoided about 1,024,400 deaths. The article also discusses regional variations in cancer rates, racial/ethnic disparities, and survival rates, highlighting the need for further progress in cancer control, particularly among low socioeconomic groups.