Leading causes of death among Black U.S. residents in 2020
The leading causes of death among Black residents in the United States in 2020 included diseases of the heart, cancer, stroke, and unintentional injuries. The leading causes of death for African Americans generally reflects the leading causes of death for the entire United States population. However, a major exception is that death from assault or homicide is the seventh leading cause of death among African Americans but is not among the ten leading causes for the general population.
Homicide among African Americans
The homicide rate among African Americans has been higher than that of other races and ethnicities for many years. In 2016, there were 38 homicide deaths per 100,000 population among male African Americans and only 5 such deaths per 100,000 population for white males. A majority of these homicides are committed with firearms, which are easily accessible in the United States. The rate of firearm-related deaths among African American males is over double that of white males.
Cancer disparities
There are also major disparities in access to health care and the impact of various diseases. For example, the incidence rate of cancer among African American males is the greatest among all ethnicities and races. Furthermore, although the incidence rate of cancer is lower among African American women than it is among white women, cancer death rates are still higher among African American women.
Homicide among African Americans
The homicide rate among African Americans has been higher than that of other races and ethnicities for many years. In 2016, there were 38 homicide deaths per 100,000 population among male African Americans and only 5 such deaths per 100,000 population for white males. A majority of these homicides are committed with firearms, which are easily accessible in the United States. The rate of firearm-related deaths among African American males is over double that of white males.
Cancer disparities
There are also major disparities in access to health care and the impact of various diseases. For example, the incidence rate of cancer among African American males is the greatest among all ethnicities and races. Furthermore, although the incidence rate of cancer is lower among African American women than it is among white women, cancer death rates are still higher among African American women.
