Higher Cancer Death Rates Among Women in the Southern U.S.

Women in the southern United States face higher death rates from breast and cervical cancer compared to other regions. This disparity is linked to fewer screenings and preventive care options.

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Why It Matters

A new analysis of 2022 federal data by the Commonwealth Fund highlights growing disparities in women’s health. These gaps extend beyond reproductive care, affecting overall health outcomes.

The Big Picture

Where a woman lives significantly impacts her health risks. Women in certain states are more likely to die from treatable cancers due to inadequate screening and care. This issue is worsening as medical professionals move away from states with strict abortion laws.

Key Insights

• Breast and Cervical Cancer Rates: Death rates from these cancers are higher in states like Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Nevada. These states saw 23 to 28 deaths per 100,000 female residents in 2022, compared to the national average of 20.9 deaths per 100,000.
• Racial Disparities: Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women.
• Screening and Vaccination Gaps: States with higher cancer death rates often have lower rates of cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations.

Factors Contributing to Disparities

• Insurance Coverage: The Affordable Care Act requires insurance to cover preventive services like mammograms and cervical cancer screenings without copays. However, follow-up screenings are not always covered.
• General Health Rankings: States with the highest cancer death rates also rank poorly for women’s health. Mississippi, Texas, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Arkansas are among the worst, while Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire are the best.

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The Need for Targeted Solutions

Health outcomes vary greatly between different regions and communities. Tailoring healthcare delivery to specific populations is crucial. For example, what works in New Orleans may not be effective in Seattle or rural Louisiana.

What’s Next

• Increased Resources: More funding and research are needed to improve screening and HPV vaccination rates in underserved areas.
• Better Data Collection: Enhancing data on race and ethnicity and including more diverse populations in research can help reduce racial disparities in cancer deaths.

The Biden administration has committed significant funding to women’s health research and seeks additional support from Congress.

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Sources

• Commonwealth Fund analysis of 2022 federal data
• National Cancer Institute
• United Health Foundation
• Society for Women’s Health Research
• American Cancer Society

By addressing these disparities, we can improve health outcomes for women across the country.