How much has U.S. cancer mortality declined since 1991?

U.S. cancer mortality has declined by approximately 32% between 1991 and 2019.

Which US counties have seen the greatest cancer mortality decline?

Urban, coastal, and higher-income counties have experienced the highest rates of mortality decline.

Why is there a gap in cancer improvement between different US counties?

The gap is influenced by factors such as income levels, geographic location (urban vs. rural, coastal vs. inland), and the varying speed of adoption of life-saving interventions.

Home / Health / Cancer Deaths Decline Unevenly Across US

Cancer Deaths Decline Unevenly Across US

15 Apr

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Summary

Cancer mortality declined 32% nationally between 1991 and 2019.
Urban, coastal, and higher-income counties saw the biggest drops.
Rural and lower-income areas experienced smaller improvements.

Cancer Deaths Decline Unevenly Across US

Between 1991 and 2019, U.S. cancer mortality decreased by approximately 32%, yet this improvement has not been consistent across all regions. New research reveals that urban and coastal counties, generally with higher incomes, have seen the most substantial reductions in cancer deaths. In contrast, rural and lower-income counties have experienced less significant declines, exacerbating existing health disparities.

The gap in cancer mortality improvements between affluent and impoverished areas widened considerably. By 2019, the top 10% of highest-income counties showed roughly seven times greater mortality improvement compared to the lowest-income counties. Major urban centers on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts consistently reported high rates of cancer improvement, while rural and smaller interior cities lagged behind.