What does this measure?

The age-adjusted rate of all new cancers diagnosed per 10,000 residents, averaged over five years.

Why is this important?

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and the leading cause of death in Massachusetts. High incidence rates can indicate particularly high rates of cancer, environmental or behavior risks of cancers, or better diagnosis of cancers.

How is our county doing?

IIn 2011-15, Essex County's cancer incidence rate was 47 per 10,000 individuals, higher than both the state (46 per 10,000) and national rates (44). The number of new cancers diagnosed in a year was 4,400 in Essex, 36,200 in the state and 1.6 million in the nation.

How do we compare to similar counties?

Essex County was highest among two of its comparison counties, with Middlesex, MA and Lake, IL at 45 per 10,000 residents, and on par with Westchester, NY at 47.

Notes about the data

Rates have been adjusted for differences in age among the geographies.