New Issue of the DJPH

Hot off the press!

Check out the latest issue of the Delaware Journal of Public Health, “The Future of Academics and Research – Public Health Success Stories.”

Click here to read more!

https://djph.org.

DPH Releases Latest Cancer Incidence and Mortality Trends in Delaware

DOVER, Del. (April 20, 2026) – Cancer mortality rates in Delaware continue to decline, according to new data released by the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). Between 2008 and 2022, cancer mortality rates decreased by an average of 1.5% per year in both Delaware and the United States.

DPH today presented its latest report, Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Delaware, 2018–2022, to the Delaware Cancer Consortium (DCC), which advises the Governor and General Assembly on cancer-related policy. The report includes cancer incidence and mortality data for 2018–2022, along with trends dating back to 2008.

“Our state’s declining cancer mortality rate shows that prevention and early detection efforts are making a real difference,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “This progress reflects the continued work of the Delaware Cancer Consortium and the Division of Public Health to improve outcomes for Delawareans.”

DPH also released detailed data tables covering the 23 most common cancer types, as well as a supplemental report, Small Area-Level Cancer Incidence in Delaware, 2018–2022, which includes census tract-level maps.

“While mortality rates are declining, our work is far from over,” said DPH Director Steven Blessing. “We will continue using data to guide prevention, strengthen community partnerships, and improve access to screening and care.”

Key Findings

  • The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Delaware are female breast, prostate, lung and bronchus, and colorectal cancer.
  • The leading causes of cancer death are lung and bronchus, female breast, prostate, colorectal and pancreatic cancer.
  • Cancer mortality rates declined among non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black males between 2008 and 2022, while rates remained stable for females and Hispanic populations.
  • Delaware ranks 15th nationally for cancer mortality, a significant improvement from the 1990s, when it ranked second.
  • Delaware’s overall cancer incidence rate remains higher than the national average, ranking 14th in the country.
  • Delaware’s prostate cancer mortality rate is similar to the U.S., while colorectal cancer mortality is lower.
  • Breast and lung cancer mortality rates in Delaware remain higher than the U.S.
  • Non-Hispanic Black Delawareans experience disproportionately higher mortality rates for breast and prostate cancers compared to non-Hispanic White residents.

Ongoing Prevention and Support

DPH’s Bureau of Cancer Prevention and Control and the DCC use these data to guide prevention efforts, including cancer screening, tobacco cessation, and obesity prevention programs.

Delaware residents can learn more about cancer prevention, screening, and treatment at HealthyDelaware.org/Individuals or by calling the Delaware Comprehensive Cancer Control Program at 302-744-1040.

The Screening for Life program provides free cancer screenings for eligible residents, including mammograms, Pap and HPV tests, and screenings for prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer.

Residents who want help quitting smoking or vaping can contact the Delaware Quitline at 1-866-409-1858 or visit QuitSupport.com. Teens can text VAPEFREE to 873373 for support.

Delaware Academy of Medicine & Public Health Condemns Misinformation, Supports the Use of Vaccines to Protect Public Health

Friday, November 21, 2025

This week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their website with misinformation about vaccines and autism.

Dr. Kate Smith, Executive Director of the Delaware Academy of Medicine and Public Health, issued the following statement in response:

“Thanks to medical advances like safe and effective vaccines, people are living longer than ever before. Diseases that used to kill children regularly, like smallpox, are a thing of the past. Yet, the latest misinformation about vaccines coming from the U.S. CDC threatens that progress, and will likely lead to unnecessary suffering, and even death.

On Wednesday evening, a directive from HHS forced the CDC to publish scientifically false claims about vaccines and autism – claims the agency itself and scientists across the world have spent decades investigating. Study after study has found no link. There is no debate or misunderstanding, no new data has been presented. Politics overrode science in a place where accuracy, integrity, credibility, transparency, and honesty save lives.

We’re already seeing the impact of vaccine misinformation in the growing measles outbreak across the country. Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, and was declared eradicated in the U.S. 25 years ago. However, today, there are more than 1,700 of people across the country who have been infected, the majority under age 5, and three people have died from this entirely preventable disease. North America has lost its measles elimination status. The United States will likely lose that status in January.

Earlier this year, the Academy joined thousands of public health and healthcare professionals in opposing the nomination of RFK Jr to lead HHS. This latest move underscores our opposition. RFK Jr. is turning a globally renowned health institution into a circus that the public cannot trust.

Vaccines save lives and we support their use to protect people from infectious diseases. We are fortunate here in Delaware to have leadership that advances evidence-based policies to protect our communities. If you have questions about vaccines, please consult your healthcare provider.”

Governor’s Public Health Alliance

Last week, the Governors of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington formed the Governor’s Public Health Alliance. The Alliance was formed to fill in gaps in pandemic preparedness, infectious-disease tracking, guideline writing, and vaccine stockpiling amidst …

Limited Edition NPHW Shirts

Celebrate Public Health with Purpose – Limited Edition NPHW T-Shirt Show your support for public health and this year’s National Public Health Week with our limited edition grey t-shirt, featuring the winning design from our NPHW Contest! Created by Shira Akoglu, the eye-catching artwork on the back of the shirt …

May Awareness

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Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Immunization Schedule Changes

As reported by the Washington Post on March 16, 2026: A federal judge on Monday blocked the Trump administration from implementing sweeping changes to the nation’s childhood immunization schedule, siding with the American Academy of Pediatrics and many other national medical and scientific organizations.   AAP and the other plaintiffs argue …

Appeals Court Blocks Trump Administration from Defunding Medical and Public Health Research

Thursday, January 15 – Attorney General Kathy Jennings today issued the following statement after the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit affirmed a lower court ruling permanently preventing the Trump Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from implementing a policy that would cut billions of dollars in funds that support cutting-edge medical and public health research at universities and research institutions across the country, regardless of whether their state joined the lawsuit:

“It continues to be beyond both belief and reason that this Administration is trying to gut life-saving medical and public health research. Fortunately, the Court has affirmed what we already knew: these proposed cuts are illegal. The groundbreaking work from these sectors is a crown jewel of both Delaware and America at large, and I will continue to fight tooth and nail to protect it.”

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We Urge You: Reconsider the Overhaul of the Childhood Immunization Schedule

MEDIA STATEMENT For Immediate Release: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Contact: Kate Smith (ksmith@delamed.org) STATEMENT: We Urge The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to Reconsider Overhaul of Childhood Immunization Schedule Yesterday afternoon, the Deputy Secretary of Health and …