Cancer Death Rate Decline Accelerates in the U.S.

Why it matters locally: The report's findings on cancer disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native populations hold particular relevance for Montana, which has the seventh-largest Native American population in the nation and seven federally recognized tribes.

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The annual "Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer" indicated a significant acceleration in the decline of cancer death rates across the United States. Published by the American Cancer Society, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR), the report found the death rate decreased by 2% per year between 2015 and 2019. This contrasts with a 1% annual decrease from 2001 to 2015. The report also included a special section examining cancer incidence and mortality in American Indian and Alaska Native populations. Researchers analyzed data from 2015 to 2019, highlighting disparities in cancer rates and outcomes compared to other racial and ethnic groups. For American Indians and Alaska Natives, the report showed higher incidence and mortality rates for several cancer types, including liver, kidney, and stomach cancers. Researchers cited factors such as limited access to healthcare, socioeconomic conditions, and lifestyle differences as potential contributors to these disparities. Further research, they noted, is needed to determine specific causes and solutions. The report emphasized the importance of continued efforts in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment to further reduce cancer deaths and address disparities across all populations. The organizations involved plan to use these findings to inform public health strategies and allocate resources effectively.