Cancer Incidence, Healthcare Access, and Support Resource Distribution in Delaware : A Statewide Epidemiological...

Delaware has historically experienced cancer incidence rates exceeding the national average, making an assessment of cancer burden, healthcare access, and support resource availability essential for informing public health policy and intervention. This paper analyzes cancer in Delaware from 2018 to 2022, examining patterns by cancer type, demographics, and geography, while also evaluating whether the distribution of oncology specialists and support resources align with the areas of greatest need among the population. The majority of the data about Delaware was sourced from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Division of Public Health's report on Small Area-Level Cancer Incidence in Delaware 2018-2022. This information was then supplemented with additional research and data surrounding provider location, state screening program information, and cancer support organization resources. Between 2018 and 2022, Delaware recorded 32,090 newly diagnosed cancer cases with an age-adjusted all-site incidence rate of 469.9 per 100,000 people, which is greater than the national average of 448.6 per 100,000. Geographic analysis revealed variation across the state's three counties and 15 cancer reporting zones. In this data, Kent County had the highest county-level incidence rate despite having the fewest cancer specialists. Sussex County however faced the most disparity in terms of access, having a cases-per-medical-oncologist ratio almost five times that of New Castle County. Both cancer support resources and screening programs had a majority concentration in New Castle County. The findings of this analysis highlight geographic and demographic disparities in cancer burden across the state of Delaware, and stress the importance of targeted interventions to improve the health outcomes of Delaware residents no matter where they live.