Cancer Death Rates DECLINE in Delaware | DETV News
Cancer Death Rates DECLINE in Delaware, Outpacing the National Average
DELAWARE — In the past 14 years, cancer death rates have steadily declined in Delaware. According to a report from the Delaware Division of Public Health, the state’s mortality rate fell by 1.8% per year from 2007 to 2021, outpacing the national average.
State health officials credit early detection, improved preventive measures, and better access to care as the key drivers of this progress. Cancers of the lung, breast, prostate, and colon remain the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the state, reflecting national trends. One of the state’s most successful initiatives is the “Screening for Life” program, which provides free cancer screenings for residents. In the past year, the program saw a 13% enrollment increase, leading to more residents accessing care now than in the past six years.
Despite these gains, challenges remain, particularly in addressing racial disparities in cancer mortality rates. The Delaware Division of Public Health report highlights that non-Hispanic Black residents in Delaware continue to experience higher mortality rates than non-Hispanic White residents for the following cancers: stomach, liver and intrahepatic bile duct, pancreas, myeloma, and prostate.
Above all, health officials emphasize that continued efforts are needed to address persistent racial disparities in cancer mortality rates. With sustained public health investment, Delaware aims to continue watching the cancer death rates decline and ensure equitable access to care for all Delawareans.
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