Cancer prevalence in the United States: trends and sociodemographic disparities based on national health interview survey data (2019–2023)
TL;DR
Although overall cancer prevalence remained relatively stable between 2019 and 2023, significant disparities persist across demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic groups, emphasizing the need for targeted cancer control strategies to address ongoing inequities.
Abstract
Introduction Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality in the United States. This study aimed to examine trends and disparities in the prevalence of selected cancers—any cancer, breast, cervical, prostate, and skin cancer—among U.S. adults from 2019 to 2023. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study used data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Interactive Summary Health Statistics for Adults. Cancer prevalence was based on self-reported physician diagnoses. Joinpoint regression analysis assessed temporal trends, with annual percentage change (APC) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) reported. Analyses were stratified by year, gender, age, race/ethnicity, nativity, veteran status, employment status, geographic region, metropolitan statistical area (MSA), and Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Results The overall prevalence of any cancer remained stable from 2019 (9.6%, 95% CI: 9.3–9.9) to 2023 (9.8%, 95% CI: 9.5–10.1). However, notable disparities were observed. In 2023, White adults had the highest prevalence (11.7%, 95% CI: 11.3–12.2), while Asians had the lowest (3.5%, 95% CI: 2.6–4.8). Breast cancer prevalence in females rose slightly from 3.2% (95% CI: 2.9–3.5) in 2019 to 3.5% (95% CI: 3.2–3.8) in 2023, though not significantly. Cervical cancer in females significantly declined from 1.1% (95% CI: 0.9–1.3) to 0.9% (95% CI: 0.8–1.1) (APC: -6.05, 95% CI: -10.87 to -0.99). Prostate cancer in males rose slightly from 2.3% (95% CI: 2.1–2.6) to 2.5% (95% CI: 2.3–2.8), with Black males having the highest prevalence (3.6%, 95% CI: 2.7–4.7). Skin cancer in females significantly increased from 3.0% (95% CI: 2.7–3.3) to 3.3% (95% CI: 3.0–3.6) (APC: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.11 to 3.36), with the highest prevalence among White adults (4.7%, 95% CI: 4.4–5.0). Higher prevalence was generally observed among older adults, residents of non-MSA areas and the Midwest, individuals with low social vulnerability, the unemployed, U.S.-born individuals, and veterans. Conclusion Although overall cancer prevalence remained relatively stable between 2019 and 2023, significant disparities persist across demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic groups. These findings emphasize the need for targeted cancer control strategies to address ongoing inequities.