What does this measure?

The age-adjusted rate of all new cancers diagnosed per 10,000 residents, averaged over five years.

Why is this important?

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and the leading cause of death in Massachusetts. High incidence rates can indicate particularly high rates of cancer, environmental or behavior risks of cancers, or better diagnosis of cancers.

How is our county doing?

In 2015-19, Essex County's cancer incidence rate was 46 per 10,000 individuals, close to the state and national rates (both 45 per 10,000), and down from 51 in 2008-12. The number of new cancers diagnosed in a year was 4,500 in Essex, 38,500 in the state and 1.7 million in the nation.

How do we compare to similar counties?

Essex County's rate was on par with Lake, IL (also at 46), higher than Middlesex, MA at 43 per 10,000 residents, and lower than Westchester, NY at 47.

Notes about the data

Rates have been adjusted for differences in age among the geographies.