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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.

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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Just Released: County Health Rankings 2025 Data

Discover the latest on the health of Delaware. The 2025 Annual Data Release is here, and includes:

  • A bold new model of health that seeks to broaden our understanding of the forces shaping community conditions;
  • A 2025 report on building power for health and equity;
  • Refreshed County Health Snapshots and trend graphs and a new national map feature that shows regional patterns and comparisons;
  • Six new measures, including access to parks, adverse climate events, lack of social and emotional support, feelings of loneliness, library access and disability: functional limitations; and,
  • Updates to the collection of more than 80 health-related measures and data.

Check it out!

Delaware Division of Public Health Releases 2024 Burden of Chronic Disease Report

Dover, Del. (July 1, 2024) – The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention (PANO) Program released The Burden of Chronic Disease in Delaware 2024 report on June 28, 2024. The report summarizes the current state of chronic diseases and related risk factors in Delaware. It is an update to, and expansion of, Chronic Disease in Delaware: Facts and Figures, published in 2019 by DPH’s Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Section.

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