Experts: Colon cancer deaths could make big drop

ATLANTA, GA Top researchers reporting for the American Cancer Society say their optimism is due to better screening for and treatment of colon and rectal cancer. Together, they are the third leading U.S. cancer killer, taking an estimated 50,000 lives this year.

But the battle has been a growing success story with the death rate down roughly 20 percent in the last 10 years. The new report predicts that death rate will drop even more over the next decade. By 2020, the rate could be half what it was in 2000.

But some experts are skeptical, saying such a large drop would require far-reaching changes in how many people eat a healthier diet, have health insurance and can get good medical care.