Cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Delaware and the nation (heart disease is the leading cause). Cancer rates in Delaware, like much of the East Coast, are high. The death rate is still slightly higher than the nation; however, mortality rates for most cancers are decreasing. The average annual percent decline in Delaware typically exceeded that of the United States. The Division of Public Health has developed a Comprehensive Cancer Control Program with funding by the Delaware Health Fund and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Data shown do not necessarily mean there is an environmental exposure, but could be related to higher rates or individual behaviors like smoking or inadequate exercise. If you are concerned about your own cancer outlook, please review screening criteria at the screening for life program or consult your medical provider.
Summary Metrics
Cancer Incidence
2016-2018This trend represents a comparison of three five-year data points. Each year represents a five-year trend.
The % change trend displayed are different from cancer trends produced in the Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Delaware reports which utilize Joinpoint Regression to calculate cancer trends.
Information on Joinpoint Regression calculation: Joinpoint Regression Program (cancer.gov) .
Information on Delaware cancer reports: Public Health: Cancer Statistics - Delaware Health and Social Services - State of Delaware
Cancer Mortality
2016-2018This trend represents a comparison of three five-year data points. Each year represents a five-year trend.
The % change trend displayed are different from cancer trends produced in the Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Delaware reports which utilize Joinpoint Regression to calculate cancer trends.
Information on Joinpoint Regression calculation: Joinpoint Regression Program (cancer.gov) .
Information on Delaware cancer reports: Public Health: Cancer Statistics - Delaware Health and Social Services - State of Delaware
Age-adjusted mortality rates are different from rates produced in the Cancer Incidence and Mortality (I&M) reports and cancer reporting by CDC. Both the I&M reports and CDC utilize SEER population estimates (derived from U.S. Census) and not Delaware Population Consortium estimates for the denominator when calculating age-adjusted mortality rates.
Information on SEER population estimates: Download U.S. County Population Data - SEER Population Data (cancer.gov)
CDC reporting of national cancer statistics: USCS Data Visualizations - CDC
Lung Cancer Deaths
2011-2018Age-adjusted mortality rates are different from rates produced in the Cancer Incidence and Mortality (I&M) reports and cancer reporting by CDC. Both the I&M reports and CDC utilize SEER population estimates (derived from U.S. Census) and not Delaware Population Consortium estimates for the denominator when calculating age-adjusted mortality rates.
Information on SEER population estimates: Download U.S. County Population Data - SEER Population Data (cancer.gov)
CDC reporting of national cancer statistics: USCS Data Visualizations - CDC