Cancer Mortality Rates Continue to Decline in the United States

Recent data from the 2024 Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer reveal that overall cancer mortality rates have been steadily decreasing in the United States from 2001 through 2022. While cancer incidence rates declined between 2001 and 2013 and stabilized afterward through 2021, the number of deaths due to cancer continues to decline, highlighting ongoing advancements in cancer detection, treatment, and prevention.

The comprehensive report, authored by researchers including Recinda L. Sherman from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries, analyzed incidence and mortality data to assess trends, particularly considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings indicate that the incidence rates remained stable among males from 2013 to 2021 but increased slightly for females at an average of 0.3% annually from 2003 to 2021, excluding the pandemic year 2020.

Despite fluctuations, the death rate from cancer per 100,000 individuals decreased by approximately 1.5% annually between 2018 and 2022. Notably, the decline in mortality slowed compared to the previous rate of 2.1%. In 2020, a drop in cancer diagnoses was observed across all demographic groups, but this decrease did not translate into a sharp rise in mortality rates, suggesting that some cases may have gone undiagnosed or underreported during the pandemic period.

The researchers emphasize that additional data is necessary to understand whether the decline in 2020 diagnosis rates reflects true reductions in incidence or delays in detection. Overall, these trends signify that despite challenges posed by the pandemic, progress in reducing cancer mortality continues, underscoring advancements in cancer care and early detection strategies.

For more details, see the full report published in Cancer.