As the pandemic has made clear, the world is still grappling with a massive health challenge, with nearly 19 million new cancer cases reported worldwide in 2022 alone. The United States was responsible for 13% of these cases, a significant share of the global cancer burden. The real story over the last thirty years The U.S. has achieved remarkable progress in lowering cancer death rates over the last three decades. In reality, those rates have even decreased—by 34%! That amazing progress is due in large part to targeted health promotion initiatives and enhanced early detection efforts.
The information tells us that the United States represents about a sixth of cancer incidence worldwide. Yet, it only makes up about 7% of cancer deaths worldwide. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women in the U.S. At the same time, prostate cancer remains the most common cancer in men. These figures help us understand the current fight against cancer and the disparities that persist within marginalized populations.
According to Ahmedin Jemal, an expert in cancer epidemiology, “This is because of population aging and growth.” He touted that the U.S. has made wonderful progress in reducing mortality. Today, almost half of all cancer deaths are still linked to these preventable risk factors, including obesity, smoking, and infectious diseases. Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death and disease, responsible for an estimated one in three cancer deaths.
This report shines a light on concerning trends for Black Americans. Cancer death rates are higher than any other racial or ethnic group in the U.S. This demographic is more likely to be diagnosed with the more aggressive variants of the disease. This sobering reality highlights the acute health disparities that are calling for our attention. Jemal pointed out, “There is a huge opportunity to substantially reduce the burden of cancer globally by focusing on primary prevention, which is underappreciated and underutilized.”
While this is sobering information, the good news is that we have made advancements in early detection. The percentage of young people diagnosed with colorectal cancer across the U.S. has been rising for decades. Due to increased awareness and improved access to colonoscopy screenings, more people are being diagnosed at younger ages. This trend represents a departure from past patterns in which older adults were largely the primary recipients of this cancer type’s diagnosis.
Meanwhile, cancer has overtaken heart disease as the top cause of death before age 50 in the United States. This startling statistic underscores the need for accelerated public health efforts and targeted interventions to halt this disease in its tracks.
Climate experts are racing to understand these alarming trends. They understand that compelling communities to address health promotion alongside preventive actions can dramatically narrow cancer outcome disparities. Jemal noted, “We don’t know why, but there are suspected risk factors,” emphasizing the need for further research into the underlying causes of increased cancer incidences among certain populations.
