Cancer death rates in the United States have seen a substantial decrease of 35% over the past 35 years, a decline equivalent to nearly 5 million fewer cancer deaths since 1991. This progress is largely attributed to enhanced screening methods and advancements in cancer treatments, according to a report released Wednesday by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
Persistent Disparities Highlighted
Despite the overall positive trend, the report underscores that these improvements have not been experienced equally across all populations. African American communities, along with American Indian and Alaska Native populations, continue to face the highest overall cancer death rates among U.S. racial and ethnic groups. This disparity is linked to both higher incidence and mortality rates for multiple types of cancer.
Mariana Stern, chair of the report and a professor at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, noted that Black individuals have historically experienced higher cancer mortality rates than white individuals, although the gap has narrowed. Nevertheless, Black people remain approximately twice as likely to die from multiple myeloma, and cancers of the stomach, prostate, and gallbladder compared to white individuals. For breast cancer, mortality rates are 35% higher for Black women than for white women.
Colorectal cancer, which is experiencing a rise in individuals under 50, also shows higher mortality rates among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations when compared to white populations. The AACR report indicates that increased screening has been instrumental in averting 79% of colorectal cancer deaths. Experts advise that individuals at average risk should begin screening at age 45.
Screening Gaps and Access Issues
However, the report found that screening rates are lower among non-white populations. In 2023, only 53% of Hispanic people and 57% of Asian and American Indian/Alaska Native individuals were up-to-date on colonoscopies, compared to 67% of white people. The Hispanic population has seen the most significant increase in early-onset colorectal cancer, with annual rises of 4.7% among women and 3.7% among men.
Alex Valdez, diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 38, shared his experience, emphasizing that misconceptions about screening age can be detrimental. “A lot of people are under the misconception that they don’t need to get a colonoscopy until their mid-40s, but it happened to me at 38,” Valdez said.
Cervical cancer screening rates were also consistently lower among Asian and Hispanic women compared to white women. Women residing in poorer counties are less likely to undergo regular screening for this preventable cancer. Dr. Sarah Kim, a gynecologic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, highlighted that cervical cancer remains a significant issue, particularly for patients facing barriers to care due to socioeconomic disadvantages, demanding work schedules, or inadequate healthcare access.
Women in poorer counties experienced a 32% higher rate of cervical cancer and a 49% higher death rate compared to those in higher-income counties. This is particularly concerning as cervical cancer is preventable with the HPV vaccine, which can be administered without a prescription or doctor’s appointment at many pharmacies.
Addressing Root Causes and Future Concerns
The disparities in cancer diagnoses and death rates are linked to complex factors including systemic racism, and social, economic, and environmental conditions that influence health. These factors affect not only screening and diagnosis but also the quality of treatment received.
The report indicates that patients from minority groups and low-income populations are less likely to receive recommended cancer care, even with treatment advancements. Finding the time and resources for adequate healthcare remains a challenge for many Americans, with a notable decrease in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act enrollment over the past year.
Stern suggested that patient navigator programs, which help individuals overcome barriers to care and navigate the healthcare system, have shown success in improving patient outcomes. However, future funding for such programs is uncertain, with proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health budget and the potential elimination of the National Institute of Minority and Health Disparities raising concerns about continued progress in eliminating cancer disparities.
Mitchell Landsberg is the senior reporter for News Raise and focuses on Technology. Mitchell regularly writes about social media platforms and how influencers, industry and general people use them to communicate and make money.
