The states with the highest (and lowest) cancer rates

According to CDC data from 2019, the three states with the highest age-adjusted cancer incidence rate were Kentucky at 516.6 per 100,000 people, Iowa at 501.8 per 100,000 people, and Louisiana at 498.8 per 100,000 people.

Meanwhile, Nevada had the lowest age-adjusted cancer incidence rate at 351.5 per 100,000 people, followed by Arizona at 379.5 and New Mexico at 381.

USAFacts also looked at CDC data on cancer mortality rates, and found that in 2019, the state with the highest cancer mortality rate was Mississippi at 178.8 per 100,000 people, followed by Kentucky at 176.1 and West Virginia at 173.7.

Meanwhile, Utah saw the lowest cancer mortality rate at 117.8 per 100,000 people, followed by Colorado at 126 and Hawaii at 126.7.

Why cancer rates vary by state

According to USAFacts, a variety of factors, including demographics, behavioral patterns, and healthcare accessibility, can affect a state's cancer rates.

For example, racial and ethnic data shows some groups experience higher rates of specific cancers, like non-Hispanic Black women, who are more likely to die of breast cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women. Meanwhile, non-Hispanic Black men see elevated rates of prostate cancer compared to non-Hispanic white men.

Lifestyle choices can also have an impact. For example, states with higher smoking prevalence typically have increased rates of tobacco-associated cancers like lung cancer. Healthcare access can also play a role, as states with lower insurance coverage rates can have greater disparities in preventive screenings needed to combat cancer in its earlier stages.

According to USAFacts, by recognizing the variety of factors that affect cancer rates, policymakers and public health officials can create evidence-based strategies to address disparities and ultimately reduce cancer rates across the country. 

Advisory Board's oncology resources

For more insights on oncology, check out these Advisory Board resources:

Moving forward, growth in demand, costs, innovative technologies, and disruptors, will change how cancer care is delivered, experienced, and paid for. This resource outlines our four predictions for how the cancer care delivery landscape will evolve by 2030.

Separately, this expert insight explains three strategies organizations can use to leverage oncology pharmacists and improve cancer care. Similarly, these ready-to-use slides outline the major structural shifts impacting cancer care and the strategic decisions that oncology leaders will need to make.

You can also check out our upcoming webinar "Oncology market trends in 2024" on June 27. Here, we'll discuss major trends influencing today's oncology market and the implications they have for stakeholders across the industry.(USAFacts report, 4/22)

Oncology screening and diagnostics are quickly evolving, including innovations in genetic testing and multi-cancer early detection. Here are six essential questions for healthcare leaders to consider to prepare for the future of oncology screening and diagnostics.