Declining Cancer Mortality Rates Among Black Americans Highlight Disparities in Survival

Recent ACS Findings on Cancer Mortality Rates



The American Cancer Society (ACS) has recently published its annual report titled Cancer Statistics for African American and Black People, 2025. This comprehensive study outlines significant trends in cancer mortality rates among Black individuals, revealing a steady decline while simultaneously exposing persistent health disparities when compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

Key Findings


According to the report, there has been a marked reduction in overall cancer mortality rates in the Black population from 1991 to 2022, specifically a 49% decline for Black men and 33% for Black women. However, these figures also illuminate the fact that Black Americans continue to experience a higher cancer burden than their White counterparts. For instance, conditions such as myeloma, prostate, uterine corpus, and stomach cancers present a two-fold increased risk of death for Black individuals compared to Whites. Furthermore, the survival rates for virtually every type and stage of cancer are lower among Black patients than their White peers, with especially stark disparities noted in melanoma, uterine corpus, and cervical cancers.

The Importance of Behavioral Changes


Rebecca Siegel, a senior scientific director at ACS, notes that these declining mortality rates can be attributed to various factors, including behavioral changes, such as lower smoking rates among Black teenagers, as well as medical advancements in treatment and early detection of certain cancers. However, as Dr. Siegel emphasizes, the significantly elevated mortality burden among Black Americans persists.

Cancer Incidence and Risk Factors


The data compiled by ACS reveals that Black individuals represent approximately 14% of the total U.S. population and are the third largest racial and ethnic group following White and Hispanic populations. Despite reductions in mortality rates, cancer remains the second leading cause of death among Black men and women, trailing only heart disease. In 2025, projections indicate 248,470 new cancer diagnoses and 73,240 cancer-related deaths within this demographic.

Communication from Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, interim CEO of ACS, highlights the ongoing equity issues faced by the Black community. While the statistically significant declines in mortality rates are a cause for optimism, the stark contrasts in incidence and survival rates compel the need for focused research and interventions tailored to this population.

Specific Incidence Rates


The ACS report points out the incidence rates of specific cancers among Black individuals. For example, Black men have a 67% higher incidence rate of prostate cancer compared to White men and are more than twice as likely to die from it. Conversely, Black women, while less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer by 5%, face a 38% higher likelihood of dying from it. Additionally, endometrial cancer incidence in Black women is on the rise, with a 2% annual increase, prompting urgent calls for further research and intervention in this area.

Addressing Inequities Through Research


Dr. William Dahut, ACS Chief Scientific Officer, underscores the necessity of examining how systemic racism influences health outcomes while also exploring pathways to implement effective changes, including increasing diversity in clinical trials. With the latest data indicating behavioral patterns and risk mitigation strategies, ACS advocates for the importance of preventive health measures. These include maintaining healthy lifestyles, recognizing individual risk profiles, and adhering to routine cancer screenings.

Community-Centric Initiatives


To combat the cancer disparities affecting Black women, ACS has initiated the VOICES of Black Women study, designed to delve into the intricate factors contributing to cancer incidence, mortality, and resilience among Black women in the U.S. This initiative is poised to be the most extensive cohort study concerning cancer risk within this demographic.

For more information about the ongoing research and participation in such studies, visit voices.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society remains dedicated to addressing cancer across all communities, advocating for equitable access to treatments, and fostering initiatives that enhance early detection and reduce cancer disparities. Find out more about their initiatives at cancer.org or contact their 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345.

Topics Health)

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