Cancer Mortality Rates Still High Among Black Patients, Despite Overall Decline

Despite a significant decrease in mortality related to cancer in Black men and women, the incidence of mortality was still higher in Black individuals compared with other populations, according to a new report, Cancer Statistics for African American and Black People, 2025, published by the American Cancer Society.1

This report, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, used population-based science from the National Cancer Institute and the CDC to collect data on incidence, mortality, screening, survival, and risk factors of cancer in Black individuals. Data used for the report were the most recent available in the databases.

The authors found that there will be an estimated 248,470 diagnoses and 73,240 deaths related to cancer in Black individuals, accounting for the second leading cause of death in Black individuals in 2025. Overall, the mortality rate associated with cancer declined from 49% in 1991 to 33% in 2022. Black men experienced the highest decline in mortality related to cancer compared with Black women, White men, and White women, with a 65% to 67% drop among Black men aged 40 to 59 years.

Black individuals had worse mortality outcomes related to cancer compared with other population groups | Image credit: Monkey Business - stock.adobe.com

However, the risk of cancer death was still high among Black individuals. Myeloma, prostate, endometrial, and stomach cancers had a risk of cancer death in Black individuals that was 2-fold higher compared with White individuals. Colorectal, breast, cervical, and liver cancers all had a 40% to 50% higher risk of death in Black individuals.

The most reported cancers diagnosed in Black individuals were prostate (44% in men), breast (34% in women), lung (10%), and colorectal (8%) cancers . These cancers also made up 58% of all new diagnoses. The likelihood of dying from breast cancer was 38% higher in Black women compared with White women, while the likelihood of being diagnosed with breast cancer was 5% lower in Black women. The incidence rate of prostate cancer was also 67% higher in Black men compared with White men, with Black men twice as likely to die. The incidence of endometrial cancer also increased in Black women by 2% each year.

“Overall declines in cancer mortality rates in Black people largely reflect behavioral changes, such as historical declines in cigarette smoking among Black teens, as well as advances in treatment and earlier detection for some cancers. Yet, this population persistently experiences a much higher mortality burden than other racial and ethnic groups for many cancers. We must reverse course,” said Rebecca Siegel, MPH, senior scientific director, surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and senior author of the report, in a statement.1

These results are in line with past research that has found a continuing disparity in both diagnoses and health care related to health care in Black individuals. Researchers have found that Black women are less likely to receive care according to guidelines when compared with White women and an increased mortality in Black women due to these care disparities.2 Racial discrimination has also been a source of disparities in outcomes among Black individuals, with most participants of a study published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reporting that they had experienced racial discrimination when accessing health care related to cancer.3

"This report highlights the disparities the Black community has faced for decades. While the decline in cancer mortality rates is encouraging, the stark inequities in incidence and survival for many cancers underscore the urgent need for targeted research and interventions,” said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, interim chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.1

References

1. New ACS study shows cancer mortality rates among black people declining, but remain higher than other racial and ethnic groups. News release. American Cancer Society. https://www.newswise.com/articles/new-acs-study-shows-cancer-mortality-rates-among-black-people-declining-but-remain-higher-than-other-racial-and-ethnic-groups/
2. Santoro C. Racial inequities in guideline-adherent breast cancer care and timely treatment. AJMC®. November 19, 2024. Accessed February 19, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/racial-inequities-in-guideline-adherent-breast-cancer-care-and-timely-treatment
3. Grossi G. Racial discrimination in cancer care has long-term impact on patients, study shows. AJMC. November 14, 2023. Accessed February 19, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/racial-discrimination-in-cancer-care-has-long-term-impact-on-patients-study-shows