White-Black Differences in Cancer Incidence, Stage at Diagnosis, and Survival Among Older Adults

To identify potential White-Black differences in cancer incidence rates, stage at diagnosis, and relative survival probabilities among older adults using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data.

Differences in cancer incidence, stage at diagnosis, and 5-year relative survival probability were examined for cases diagnosed within the most recent 5-year period and over time for cases diagnosed from 1973 to 2013 (incidence only) for older White and Black adults.

Among adults aged 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85 years and older, Black adults had higher cancer incidence rates per 100,000 than White males from 1973 to 2013, respectively. Late stage and unstaged cancers were more common among Black adults in each of the three age groups compared with Whites. Five-year relative survival probability for all invasive cancers combined was higher for Whites than Blacks in each of the three age groups.

Continued efforts are needed to reduce racial disparities in cancer incidence and mortality among older adults.