Cancer is a common disease, sometimes more common than many people believe. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of four deaths in the United States is attributable to cancer. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in Illinois and the United States, and the leading cause of death for Illinois citizens aged 45-64. During 1998, the underlying cause of death for 24,592 Illinoisans was cancer. In the same year, new invasive cancer cases totaling 55,166 were diagnosed among Illinois residents. Cancer affects all racial and ethnic groups and kills more Illinoisans annually then AIDS, injuries and homicides combined.

Many types of cancer can be prevented, and the prospects for surviving cancer are better than ever before and continue to improve. Early detection and improved treatments are allowing more people who have been diagnosed with cancer to live longer and better. By adopting a healthier lifestyle and by visiting a physician regularly for a cancer-related checkup, many people could reduce their chances of developing or dying from cancer. This site will provide information about the Department's cancer control programs, population-based cancer incidence studies, morbidity and mortality data, cancer by site fact sheets and available research funding.