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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Washington, DC. Written by Anna Spiegel, Cuneyt Dil and Chelsea Cirruzzo.

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Data: American Cancer Society. Note: Death rate is computed as the average of the male and female rates. Map: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals

Cancer deaths in D.C. dropped 61% over the past quarter century, higher than typical declines nationwide, according to a study published in the journal Cancer.

The study shows cancer deaths declined in every congressional district, typically between 20% and 45% among men and 10% and 40% among women, writes Axios Health reporter Tina Reed.

Zoom in: In the District, the death rate was 423.9 between 1996 and 2003. It dropped to 163.9 between 2012 and 2020.

In Virginia, a 37.2% drop occurred on average. The 8th District encompassing Alexandria saw a nearly 43% drop.

In Maryland, the average drop was 39.1%. The district that includes Potomac saw a 28.8% drop, while the area around Takoma Park and other parts of Montgomery County had a 31.9% drop.

By the numbers: Lung cancer saw the biggest drop among men, declining between 21% and 72% since 1996. Districts located in the Midwest and South which generally have weaker tobacco control policies saw the smallest declines, the authors noted.

Female breast cancer deaths dropped between 14% and 58% depending on the district. Prostate cancer deaths dropped between 25% and 68% depending on the district.

Yes, but: The study found "substantial" disparities. For instance, the decline in cancer deaths was steepest among Black men, but overall cancer mortality is substantially higher among Black people.

Cancer deaths drop in D.C.

The death rate was 423.9 between 1996 and 2003. It dropped to 163.9 between 2012 and 2020.

Washington, D.C.

Cancer deaths in D.C. dropped 61% over the past quarter century, higher than typical declines nationwide, according to a study published in the journal Cancer.<ul><li>The study shows <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cancer deaths" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/13/acs-cancer-deaths-fall-chart" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/01/13/acs-cancer-deaths-fall-chart" target="_self">cancer deaths</a> declined <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in every congressional district" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/09/cancer-congressional-district-mapped" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/09/cancer-congressional-district-mapped" target="_self">in every congressional district</a>, typically between 20% and 45% among men and 10% and 40% among women, writes Axios Health reporter Tina Reed.</li></ul>