What does this measure?
The mortality rate due to cancer per 10,000 residents of a region.
Why is this important?
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and Massachusetts. High mortality rates can indicate high overall rates of cancer or challenges to diagnosing and effectively treating cancer.
How is our county doing?
In 2024, Essex County's cancer mortality rate was 18 deaths per 10,000 residents, similar to the state and national rates of 17 and 19 per 10,000, respectively. Rates have remained fairly consistent since 2015, ranging from 17 to 19 per, 10,000 over the last decade.
How do we compare to similar counties?
Essex County had a higher cancer death rate than all comparison counties in 2024, at 18 deaths per 10,000 residents, compared to 16 in Lake County, IL and 14 in both Middlesex County, MA and Westchester County, NY. Since 2015, rates in Westchester and Middlesex have fallen 16% and 14% respectively compared to a 2% decline in Essex.
Notes about the data
None.