Disparities in Health and Economic Burdens of Cancer Attributable to Suboptimal Diet in the United States, 2015‒2018

Abstract

Objectives. To quantify disparities in health and economic burdens of cancer attributable to suboptimal diet among US adults. Methods. Using a probabilistic cohort state-transition model, we estimated the number of new cancer cases and cancer deaths, and economic costs of 15 diet-related cancers attributable to suboptimal intake of 7 dietary factors (a low intake of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains and a high intake of red and processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages) among a closed cohort of US adults starting in 2017. Results. Suboptimal diet was estimated to contribute to 3.04 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] = 2.88, 3.20) million new cancer cases, 1.74 (95% UI = 1.65, 1.84) million cancer deaths, and $254 (95% UI = $242, $267) billion economic costs among US adults aged 20 years or older over a lifetime. Diet-attributable cancer burdens were higher among younger adults, men, non-Hispanic Blacks, and individuals with lower education and income attainments than other population subgroups. The largest disparities were for cancers attributable to high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and low consumption of whole grains. Conclusions. Suboptimal diet contributes to substantial disparities in health and economic burdens of cancer among young adults, men, racial/ethnic minorities, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print October 14, 2021:e1–e11. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306475 )

Association of Socioeconomic and Geographic Factors With Diet Quality in US Adults

“… 19 For example, in the US, non-Hispanic Black men and women were estimated to experience 214 more diet-associated cancer deaths per 100 000 population compared with non-Hispanic White individuals. 19 …”

“…15,16 In the US, the proportion of cancers attributable to poor diet alone is estimated to be 4.2% 17 to 5.2% 18 and has recently been reported to vary substantially by race and ethnicity, education, and income. 19 For example, in the US, non-Hispanic Black men and women were estimated to experience 214 more diet-associated cancer deaths per 100 000 population compared with non-Hispanic White individuals. 19 However, the prevalence of obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity in the US remains high.…”

“…19 For example, in the US, non-Hispanic Black men and women were estimated to experience 214 more diet-associated cancer deaths per 100 000 population compared with non-Hispanic White individuals. 19 However, the prevalence of obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity in the US remains high. Two-thirds of US adults have overweight or obesity, and rates continue to increase.…”

“…A body of evidence suggests that greater dietary and behavioral concordance with the these guidelines is associated with significantly lower mortality from cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and all causes, including among people from historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups and individuals with limited resources . In the US, the proportion of cancers attributable to poor diet alone is estimated to be 4.2% to 5.2% and has recently been reported to vary substantially by race and ethnicity, education, and income . For example, in the US, non-Hispanic Black men and women were estimated to experience 214 more diet-associated cancer deaths per 100 000 population compared with non-Hispanic White individuals …”

Health and Economic Impacts of Implementing Produce Prescription Programs for Diabetes in the United States: A Microsimulation Study

“…3 These challenges disproportionately affect low‐income Americans, who often suffer from food and nutrition insecurity or lack of consistent access, availability, and affordability of nutritious foods that support their health and well‐being, 4 resulting in significant health disparities. 2 , 5 , 6 These challenges highlight the need for effective interventions to improve nutrition security and diet‐related health outcomes and disparities.…”