Report shows continued decrease in state cancer mortality

Cancer screening and early detection efforts continue to drive down Delaware's all-site cancer mortality rates, said Delaware public health officials. From 2000-04 to 2010-14, Delaware's cancer death rate decreased 12 percent, an impressive improvement though slightly lower than the 14 percent decline seen nationally, according to the latest cancer data announced by the Division of Public Health.

DPH presented its new report, Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Delaware, 2010-2014, to the Delaware Cancer Consortium July 9. The annual report provides data for all cancer sites combined, 23 site-specific cancer types, risk factors, early detection and screening recommendations, and census tract maps.

Delaware ranks 16th nationally for all-site cancer mortality, which remains unchanged from last year's report, but is two slots lower than 14th highest two years ago, which looked at the 2008-12 time period. Delaware's current ranking still represents considerable continued progress since the 1990s, when the state ranked second for all-site cancer mortality.

Delaware's all-site cancer mortality rate fell 15 percent among men, 9 percent among women, 21 percent among African-Americans, 14 percent among Caucasians, and 2 percent among Hispanics over the last decade, according to the report. Despite continuing decreases, at 178.2 deaths per 100,000 people, the state's mortality rate was still 7 percent higher than the U.S. rate of 166.1 for 2010-14. The DCC and DPH are committed to continuing efforts to reduce Delaware's cancer mortality rate.

Regarding incidence, or diagnosis of new cancer cases, Delaware's 2010-14 all-site cancer incidence rate (506.4 diagnoses per 100,000) was 14 percent higher than the comparable U.S. rate. Despite fluctuations in all-site cancer incidence between the 2000-04 to 2010-14 time periods, Delaware's 2010-14 all-site cancer incidence rate was unchanged from 2000-04 (506.3 per 100,000). While Delaware is ranked second among states for highest all-site cancer incidence, the state's continued success in early detection and screening efforts plays a key role in these rates.

All-site cancer incidence fell 5 percent among men but increased by 5 percent in women. It also decreased by 9 percent among African-Americans and 12 percent among Hispanics, but increased by 2 percent among Caucasians. Part of the increase in female cancer incidence may be due to increased screening efforts by DPH; Delaware is ranked second nationally in breast cancer screening (mammography).

"Delaware is making great progress in battling the deadly disease of cancer in our state," said Gov. John Carney. "This report shows our successes, but also shows us we have more work to do, particularly when it comes to reducing cancer incidence. As an original member of the Delaware Cancer Consortium, I want to thank the strong network of cancer advocates in our state for their important partnership on this issue, particularly the Department of Health and Social Services Division of Public Health, the consortium, and our many statewide and community champions for the daily work they do to improve access to screening and treatment for all Delawareans."

For more information and to see the full report, go to http://dhss.delaware.gov.