Dec 30, 2024 Story by: Editor
From 2020 to 2022, the primary causes of death among Black Americans included heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, and stroke. These causes align with those of the broader U.S. population, with one notable exception: assault or homicide ranks as the seventh leading cause of death among African Americans, while it does not feature in the top ten for the general population.
Homicide Rates Among Black Americans
Homicide remains a significant concern within the African American community. In 2023, approximately 9,284 Black individuals were murdered in the United States, compared to 7,289 white individuals. Firearms, which are widely accessible in the country, are responsible for most of these homicides. In 2022 alone, firearm-related deaths among Black Americans reached 14,189. Notably, while firearm homicides are a pressing issue, suicide accounts for over half of all firearm-related deaths nationwide.
Cancer Disparities
Disparities in healthcare access and disease outcomes are stark within the African American community. African American males have the highest incidence rate of cancer across all ethnic and racial groups. Among African American women, the cancer incidence rate is lower compared to white women; however, their cancer mortality rate is higher. This highlights significant challenges in addressing health equity and access to life-saving treatments for Black Americans.
This data underscores the urgent need to address systemic inequalities in healthcare access, firearm regulation, and preventive care to improve outcomes for African Americans across the nation.
Source: Statista
