Rising Cancer Diagnoses in Women Contrast with Declining Death Rates in the U.S.

Cancer-related deaths have been steadily declining in the United States for over two decades, yet a troubling trend has emerged: cancer diagnoses among women are rising. This gap is especially alarming given the unique risk factors women face. We need to do everything we can to make healthcare services more readily available to them.

According to recent reports, cancer death rates have decreased across various racial and ethnic populations, highlighting advancements in treatment and prevention strategies. Between 2017-2021, American Indian and Alaska Native women had the highest cancer diagnosis rates. This trend for the year 2020. Alarmingly, cancers related to obesity are increasing among women, highlighting the need for immediate action.

Trends in Cancer Diagnoses

Data previously presented to COTPA show that cancer as a diagnoses for women has increased annually from 2003 to 2021. In comparison, the rates for men have decreased from 2001 to 2013 and then leveled off until 2021. This divergence highlights the need to better understand gender-specific risk factors and disparities in access to healthcare.

The reality is that cancer diagnoses are increasing, particularly among underserved women with low access to care. This has resulted in greater rates of breast and uterine cancers than for those who have greater access to screening. As Jack Jacoub reminds, there is so much room for further improvement, which can be done primarily through education and improved access for all patients.

“Women who have less access to healthcare have a large increase in certain cancers, such as breast and uterine cancer, compared to those who have access to screening,” – Anton Bilchik.

Factors Contributing to Rising Rates

Leading experts cite a variety of lifestyle factors contributing to the increased rates of cancer among women. Obesity, processed foods, and inactivity Anton Bilchik emphasizes the interaction of these three factors as important risk factors. In his work, he focuses on how children are similarly affected by all of the above. As a consequence, cancers such as colorectal cancer are being diagnosed at older ages.

“While overall incidences are declining and overall outcomes are better, we are seeing some, like colorectal cancer in young people, going up, and it’s the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in people under 50 and second among women,” – Anton Bilchik.