PHOM Indicator Profile Report of Cancer Deaths

Why Is This Important?

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in both the U.S. and in Utah. The age-adjusted cancer death rate in Utah has decreased substantially over time, from 157.5 deaths per 100,000 population in 1999 to 114.0 deaths per 100,000 population in 2022. In 2022, the latest year for which mortality data is available, a total of 3,499 Utahns died from cancer. Although the overall cancer death rate in Utah is declining, certain groups continue to experience a disproportionate burden of cancer compared with other groups due to social, environmental, and economic disadvantages. Population groups that may experience cancer disparities include groups defined by geography, race, ethnicity, age, sex, income, education, disability, and/or other characteristics. Cancers generally develop over several years and can have many causes. Several factors both inside and outside the body may contribute to the development of cancer. Some of these factors include genetic mutations, tobacco and alcohol use, poor diet, obesity, physical inactivity, and excessive sunlight exposure. Other factors may include exposure to ionizing radiation and environmental chemicals that may be present in the workplace, food, air, or water such as asbestos, benzene, and arsenic.

Data Notes

ICD-10 codes C00-C97. Age-adjusted to the U.S. 2000 standard population using 11 age adjustment age groups (0, 1-4, 5-14, 15-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74, 75-84, 85+).

Risk Factors

There are a wide variety of factors that are known to increase the risk of cancer, including several that are potentially modifiable (ex. tobacco and alcohol use, diet, and sun exposure) and others that are not (ex. family medical history and inherited genetic mutations). Not including skin cancer, at least 42% of newly diagnosed cancers in the US are potentially avoidable, including 19% of cancers caused by smoking and at least 18% caused by a combination of poor nutrition, physical inactivity, excess body weight, and alcohol consumption.^1^[[br]] Screening can help prevent colorectal and cervical cancers by identifying and removing precaners before they turn into cancer. Screening can also reduce mortality for cancers of the breast, lung, and prostate by detecting cancer early, when treatment is most effective.^1^[[br]] [[br]] ---- 1. American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 2024, p.1.

How Are We Doing?

The age-adjusted cancer mortality rate in Utah has decreased over the last 30 years. In 2022, the age-adjusted cancer mortality rate in Utah was 114.0 deaths per 100,000 people, down from a rate of 131.9 deaths per 100,000 people in 2010. Although the overall cancer mortality rate in Utah is declining, certain groups continue to be at increased risk of dying from cancer. From 2020-2022, males were 1.3 times more likely to die from cancer than females. During the same time period, age-adjusted cancer deaths per 100,000 population were 200.3 among Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, 116 among Black, 98.6 among American Indian or Alaska Native, 116.9 among White, 99.0 among Hispanic/Latino, and 70.2 among Asian people. There are also differences in cancer mortality rates throughout Utah based on geography. For years 2020-2022, Central Utah Local Health District (LHD) had the highest cancer mortality rate (146.8 deaths per 100,000 population) in the state compared to other LHDs, while Summit County LHD had the lowest (88.4 deaths per 100,000 population). Differences in cancer mortality rates can also be seen within each LHD at the Utah Small Area level (see Utah Small Area data view). The rate of cancer death significantly increases with age, regardless of sex. For ages 35-54, women are more likely to die as a result of cancer than men, though after age 65, men are more likely to die as a result of cancer than women. See additional data views for more detailed information.

What Is Being Done?

The Utah Cancer Coalition works with state and local partners to reduce the burden of cancer in Utah. Their mission is to lower cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality in Utah through collaborative efforts directed toward cancer prevention and control. As a result, they support community-based strategies around food security, healthy neighborhoods, access to health care, and financial toxicity in order to prevent cancer; detect cancer early; and improve the lives of cancer survivors, caregivers, and their families.