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A cancer mystery in black and white

While cancer incidence is down for all Americans, African-Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with and die from cancer.

A cancer mystery in black and white

Good news: cancer incidence is declining for all Americans. Sobering and perplexing fact: African-Americans are more likely than white Americans to be diagnosed with, and die from, cancer. In fact, the mortality rate for blacks has been higher for years. In 2010 the trend continued; 216 of every 100,000 blacks died of cancer, compared to 177 of every 100,000 whites.

The disparity is unexplained but researchers suspect economic, cultural and medical factors. Today’s infographic lays out the numbers; click on the image above to see it full-size. And for a deeper dive into the issues surrounding cancer in America, see “What Do Others Say?” below.

On another note, Face the Facts USA offers you issue briefs and discussion guides produced with our associate, AmericaSpeaks. Visit the Discussions page to browse and download.

What do others say?

  • : Journal of the American Medical Association: “Cancer Survival Among US Whites and Minorities” More

  • : National Cancer Institute resources: “Where can I find Cancer Statistics by Race/Ethnicity?” More

  • : Fox News list of cancer articles: “Cancer” More

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