Delaware’s Division of Public Health releases cancer report highlighting health disparities

DELAWARE—The Delaware Division of Public Health recently released a report ranking Delaware 16th among the states with the highest mortality rates for all cancer types. During their study, they also found disparities within the healthcare system, and how policies may be negatively affecting marginalized groups.

Disparities in Delaware and the decline of discriminatory practices. Although the state’s cancer mortality has improved considerably since the 1990s, many people are still suffering from cancer right here on the Peninsula. Sumitha Nagarajan tells us those types of cancers tend to affect the elderly population more, and women tend to get screened more often than men.

However, Nagarajan says there were major differences in demographics. “The top for incidents among women is breast cancer and the top incident for men is prostate. But when we combine men and women it is lung cancer. And then when it comes to cancer mortality, lung cancer by far beats the other types of cancer.”

As you age, you can’t afford to not go to the doctor, but in today’s climate, many can’t afford to pay when they arrive, and some, aren’t even treated fairly. in Delaware, local health officials are attempting to make a change in care for citizens. Nagarajan said that cancers tend to affect the elderly population more, and women tend to get screened more often than men.

When it came to racial disparities, she says there were differences in the demographics. “When we break it down by racial groups, we do know Black Women are more affected by breast cancer compared to other racial groups, and black men are more affected by prostate cancer.” says Nagarajan. “And when it comes to Hispanic Delawareans, they’re more affected by stomach cancer.”

Dawn Hollinger Chief for the Bureau of Cancer Prevention & Control at DPH says the annual study gives an overall picture of our state’s mortality rate, and this is a way they can educate and encourage the public. “Letting them know it’s not just genetics, but it’s also behavioral risk factors. You may not be able to change your genetics, but through improving your nutrition and your diet and exercise, you may be able to mitigate some of those risks, or maybe delay some of those genetic factors.”

Hollinger also says that fear can be fatal. “A lot of people put off getting a cancer screening because of the fear or the discomfort they may associate with some cancer test such as a colonoscopy. But those early detection is the ultimate factor in the best outcomes.”

Nagarajan also says early detection is key and Hollinger says the department is taking steps to address the issues. “We still have work to do when it comes to disparities, specifically racial disparities, in the incidents rates of cancer and mortality, and that mean we have more work to,” says Hollinger, “but our education and outreach programs are helping us to work one-on one with individuals.”

The department stressed that they are dedicated to making positive change in healthcare practices. DPH Director Steve Blessing has gone on record saying quote: “It is our mission to continue to reduce preventable cancers, make sure all people get the right screening at the right time and that we support cancer survivors in living longer, healthier lives.” Representatives also say that having fair representation among medical professional, can possibly sway for communities to get screened early.

To learn how to prevent, detect, and treat chronic diseases and get help scheduling with a cancer screening, visit their website, or call the Delaware Comprehensive Cancer Control Program at 302-744-1040. The Screening for Life program provides free access to eligible Delawareans for cancer screenings when recommended by a doctor. To speak with a case manager or enrollment specialist, call 302-744-1040.