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As cancer death rates plunge, clear disparities remain, new report says
NBC News • • health
Key Points:
- Cancer death rates in the U.S. have declined by 35% over the past 35 years, resulting in nearly 5 million fewer deaths since 1991, largely due to improved screening and treatment advances.
- Significant racial and ethnic disparities persist, with African American, American Indian, and Alaska Native populations experiencing the highest cancer mortality rates and lower screening rates compared to white populations.
- Colorectal cancer mortality is rising among people under 50, especially in Hispanic populations, who also have lower colonoscopy screening rates, contributing to delayed diagnoses.
- Cervical cancer remains a concern, particularly among women in poor counties and Hispanic and Asian women, despite the availability of the preventive HPV vaccine, with screening and access to care being major barriers.
- Socioeconomic factors, systemic racism, and unequal access to quality care contribute to disparities in cancer outcomes, while programs like patient navigators help improve care but face uncertain future funding amid proposed federal budget cuts.
