Black Americans experience the highest cancer mortality rates in the nation, a concerning trend highlighted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. The disparity spans across all cancers combined and most major cancers, contributing to a lower life expectancy for Black men and women compared to non-Hispanic whites.
From 2015-2019, African American men were notably more likely to be diagnosed with colon and prostate cancers. Similarly, Black women had comparable breast cancer diagnosis rates to non-Hispanic white women but faced a nearly 40% higher risk of death from the disease.
Hackensack Meridian Health’s breast surgical oncologist, Dr. Tesia McKenzie from Bayshore Medical Center, emphasizes the perplexing nature of these statistics. Her research, supported by the National Cancer Institute and the American Lung Association, delves into the impact of stigma on lung cancer screening decisions. Breast and lung cancers are just two areas where prevention and care for Black Americans are significantly behind.
During Black History Month, experts from Hackensack Meridian Health are addressing the historical causes of these disparities and discussing strategies to reverse the trend. They are available for interviews to provide further context and insights into the research efforts aimed at combating these health inequities.
See “Black Americans Have Highest Cancer Mortality Rates In The United States” by Hackensack Meridian Health on the Newswise website (January 31, 2024)
