Cancer deaths in the United States have decreased significantly over the past 35 years, lowering by 35%, as noted by the American Association for Cancer Research’s recent report. This reduction equates to nearly 5 million fewer cancer deaths since 1991. The decline stems from more frequent screenings and advancements in cancer treatment.
Despite the overall progress, disparities exist across different regions and demographics. Mariana Stern, the report’s chair, emphasized that African American communities and American Indian and Alaska Native populations face higher overall cancer death rates than any other racial or ethnic group in the U.S.
Historically, Black individuals have experienced higher cancer mortality rates compared to white individuals. Although this gap has lessened, Black individuals are still twice as likely to die from multiple myeloma, along with stomach, prostate, and gallbladder cancers. Breast cancer mortality is 35% higher in Black women than in white women. Additionally, colorectal cancer is rising among those under 50, with higher mortality rates among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations compared to whites.
According to the AACR report, increased screening has resulted in the prevention of 79% of potential colorectal cancer deaths. These screenings, particularly colonoscopies, allow doctors to remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer.
Screening practices, however, vary among racial and ethnic groups. In 2023, colonoscopy rates showed only 53% of Hispanic people, 57% of Asian and American Indian/Alaska Native individuals were up to date, compared to 67% of white individuals. Hispanic populations are witnessing the largest rise in early-onset colorectal cancer, with annual increases of 4.7% in women and 3.7% in men.
Alex Valdez, diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 38, shared his experience of undergoing a colonoscopy due to pre-existing conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Valdez stresses the importance of timely screenings since he had cancer for nearly two years without knowing.
Screenings are vital for detecting cancer early when it’s more treatable. Yet, access disparities persist, notably affecting cervical cancer screenings among Asian and Hispanic women, and among women from economically disadvantaged areas. Dr. Sarah Kim of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center highlights that cervical cancer screening rates are lower among women from poorer counties compared to those from wealthier areas.
Cervical cancer is preventable through the HPV vaccine, available at local pharmacies without prescriptions. “This vaccine prevents cervical cancer without any associated side effects,” Kim noted. Economic and social challenges, alongside systemic issues like healthcare access, exacerbate cancer disparities.
Healthcare disparities impact not only screenings but also diagnosis and treatment quality. Minority and low-income populations often receive suboptimal care despite treatment advances. Finding resources and healthcare access remains problematic for many, compounded by falling enrollments in Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act by over 5 million people.
Stern advocates for patient navigators—an effective resource aiding patients in overcoming healthcare barriers. Patient navigators work closely with individuals to ensure adherence to treatment and follow-up
appointments. However, funding for such programs is uncertain due to potential budget cuts to the NIH and the National Institute of Minority Health Disparities.