A new analysis reveals stark regional disparities in women’s cancer deaths, with Southern states seeing significantly higher mortality rates from breast and cervical cancer compared to the rest of the nation. The Commonwealth Fund report examined 2022 federal data, finding that women in Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas and Nevada faced 23-28 deaths per 100,000 female residents from these cancers, well above the national average of 20.9.
“Where a woman lives is becoming a key determinant in how dangerous it is to give birth or if she’ll die from cancers considered treatable with proper screening and routine care,” the report notes. This geographic divide extends beyond just cancer, as 11 of the 12 states with the highest breast and cervical cancer rates also ranked poorly for women’s health overall.
Racial disparities compound the problem, with Black women 41% more likely than white women to die from breast cancer. Experts point to lower screening rates and HPV vaccination coverage in states with higher death rates as contributing factors.
“Rather than policies that might help narrow the divides [in women’s health], we’re seeing policies that can actually widen and deepen those divides,” said report author Sara Collins.
Health experts call for targeted interventions tailored to specific communities and increased research on improving screening and vaccination rates in underserved areas. They also stress the need for better data collection on race and ethnicity to address persistent disparities in cancer outcomes among minority women.
See “Women are more likely to die from cancer in the southern U.S.” (July 18. 2024)
