The American Cancer Society's latest report reveals a complex picture of cancer outcomes among Black Americans, showing significant progress in reducing mortality rates while highlighting persistent racial disparities in cancer care and survival.
Declining Mortality Rates Show Progress
Cancer mortality rates among Black individuals have shown a marked improvement, declining from 49% in 1991 to 33% in 2022. Black men, particularly those aged 40 to 59 years, experienced the most substantial improvement with a 65% to 67% reduction in mortality rates, outpacing declines seen in Black women and White populations.
Persistent Racial Disparities in Cancer Outcomes
Despite these improvements, concerning disparities remain. Black individuals face dramatically higher mortality risks for several cancer types:
- A twofold higher death risk for myeloma, prostate, endometrial, and stomach cancers compared to White individuals
- 40% to 50% higher mortality rates for colorectal, breast, cervical, and liver cancers
- 38% higher breast cancer mortality in Black women, despite a 5% lower diagnosis rate
- 67% higher prostate cancer incidence in Black men, with double the mortality risk
Current Cancer Burden and Projections
For 2025, projections indicate approximately 248,470 new cancer diagnoses and 73,240 cancer-related deaths among Black individuals, establishing cancer as the second leading cause of death in this population. The most prevalent cancers include:
- Prostate cancer (44% of cases in men)
- Breast cancer (34% of cases in women)
- Lung cancer (10% of total cases)
- Colorectal cancer (8% of total cases)
Rebecca Siegel, MPH, senior scientific director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society, attributes the overall mortality decline to behavioral changes, particularly reduced smoking rates among Black teens, along with treatment advances and improved early detection. However, she emphasizes that the persistently higher mortality burden demands immediate attention.
Healthcare Access and Discrimination Challenges
Research indicates that healthcare disparities continue to affect cancer outcomes in the Black community. Studies have documented that Black women are less likely to receive guideline-adherent care compared to White women. Additionally, racial discrimination in healthcare settings remains a significant barrier to optimal cancer care.
Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, interim CEO of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, emphasizes the urgency of addressing these disparities: "While the decline in cancer mortality rates is encouraging, the stark inequities in incidence and survival for many cancers underscore the urgent need for targeted research and interventions."
