According to the United States’ Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, the overall death rate from cancer has progressively declined over the past two decades.
However, this promising trend masks a complex reality: while some cancer cases are decreasing, others associated with lifestyle factors are on the rise, particularly among women and younger generations.
Analysis: The Evolving Landscape of U.S. Cancer Rates
From 2018 to 2022, excluding 2020 data, the report reveals a plateau in new cancer cases among males, with a slight increase of 0.3 percent for females year on year. Simultaneously, cancer death rates decreased by an average of 1.7 percent per year for males and 1.3 percent per year for females. The report, a collaborative effort between the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), highlights that “progress has been made in reducing overall cancer mortality, largely driven by sustained declines in lung cancer.”
The American Context: Progress Amid a Pandemic
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, cancer mortality continued to decline. This is particularly true for smoking-related cancers, such as lung, bladder, and larynx cancer. These findings align with recent breakthroughs in treatments for non-small cell lung cancer and increased access to healthcare due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), often referred to as Obamacare. A recent nationwide study found that between 1975 and 2020, nearly 6 million deaths from five common cancers were averted through a combination of prevention, screening, and improved treatments.
What About Rising Cancer Incidences?
However, the report also underscores areas of concern. For example, mortality rate declines have slowed for several cancers due to a recent uptick in diagnoses. Moreover, the number of new cases for multiple cancers associated with excess body weight is rising. Experts at the American Cancer Society warn that the burden of cancer appears to be shifting toward women and younger adults, with cancer incidence rates in women under 50 now 82 percent higher than their male counterparts.
Addressing Racial Disparities in Cancer Care
Another pressing issue is the significant racial disparity in cancer mortality rates. Despite a 42 percent decrease in breast cancer deaths since they peaked in 1989, Black women still experience a 40 percent higher death rate from breast cancer than White women. Ahmedin Jemal, senior vice president of surveillance and health equity science at the American Cancer Society, emphasizes that “progress against cancer continues to be hampered by striking, wide static disparities for many racial and ethnic groups.”
In conclusion, while the overall decline in cancer mortality rates is encouraging, it’s clear that the fight against cancer is far from over. The shifting burden of cancer towards women and younger adults, coupled with persistent racial disparities, demands urgent attention. As we celebrate our victories, we must also acknowledge these challenges and strive for health equity in cancer care, ensuring that progress benefits all segments of American society.
