2 hours ago - News
Oregon breast cancer death rate exceeds U.S. average
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Breast cancer death rates have fallen nationally over the past decade, but Oregon's remains higher than the U.S. average, according to the latest CDC data.
The big picture: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
- Where women live — and their ability to access affordable health care — can influence their likelihood of surviving the disease.
By the numbers: Oregon recorded 615 breast cancer deaths in 2024, or 20 per 100,000 women, compared to the national rate of 18.7.
- Neighboring Washington and California fared better, with rates of 18.5 deaths per 100,000 women.
Between the lines: More mammograms alone won't close the gap, Axios' Carly Mallenbaum reports.
- Black women have relatively high breast cancer screening rates but are more likely to die from the disease than white women, the Commonwealth Fund's recent report finds.
- Longer delays between an abnormal screening and follow-up care can give cancer more time to progress.
- Lack of insurance, high deductibles and difficulty accessing specialists may help explain the disparities.
Zoom in: Oregon has taken steps to expand breast cancer care. For example, in 2024 lawmakers passed a bill requiring commercial insurers to fully cover medically necessary diagnostic tests.
- Another law, which improves access to advanced breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy, took effect earlier this year.