Americans have won a battle in the war against cancer. The number of cancer deaths in the United States declined by
369 in 2003 (the most recent data available).

While that may seem more like a skirmish than a battle, the number represents the first drop in cancer deaths in the 70-plus years that such records have been kept. When you factor in that the American population is growing and aging, that's a victory worth celebrating.

Research and new medical treatments are partly responsible for the drop, but the American Cancer Society also credits
the decline in tobacco use and better prevention methods in saving lives.

This month, Pulse salutes health care workers who are fighting the war against cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other enemies of good health - one wellness seminar, health screening and smoking cessation program at a time. Thanks for reminding us that health care is as much about prevention, early detection and promotion of a healthy lifestyle as it is about curing diseases. Encouraging people to eat right, exerciseand know their health risks may not be as dramatic as heart-transplant surgery, but it helps save lives all the same.

"People who are involved in prevention and health education do it because they are driven by a passion to share what they know in order to help people," said Tara Robinette, coordinator of health, education and wellness for Gwinnett Health System.

"You have to keep on top of it every day, because every person is important," said Kimberly Roberts, who has been part
of a national three-year effort to staunch the epidemic growth of diabetes in the United States and sees encouraging results.

Another statistic worth celebrating comes from the annual Gallup Poll asking Americans to rate, on a scale of one to five, the honesty and ethical standards of workers in 21 professions. And the gold medal goes to . . . nurses. They have topped the list six of the last seven years (only losing to firefighters in 2001 after Sept. 11).

This year, 82 percent of the people polled placed nurses at the top of the "most trusted" list. Pharmacists (67 percent) ranked second, and medical doctors (65 percent) were third.

Those numbers don't surprise me, and here's a chance to honor Georgia nurses who most exemplify that reputation. Nominate the most trusted, compassionate, skilled and knowledgeable licensed nurse you know for the first-ever AJC Nursing Excellence Awards. Hurry, because the deadline is March 15.

Find the nomination form at www.ajcjobs.com (click on Celebrating Nursing).

- Do you have any story ideas for Pulse? We'd love to hear more about your career and what you do after hours. E-mail me at pulseeditor@ajc.com or call 404-526-2078.