Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and infectious illness are reshaping health outcomes for Black Americans with measurable gaps. In 2021, the age-adjusted heart disease death rate for non-Hispanic Black adults was 198.4 per 100,000, compared with 162.5 for non-Hispanic White adults. Across categories, higher mortality and later diagnosis patterns show how inequity affects risk, access, and long-term survival.
Key Takeaways
- In 2020, Black men had a cancer mortality rate of 189.3 per 100,000, 23% higher than White men at 153.7
- In 2021, the age-adjusted death rate for heart disease among non-Hispanic Black persons was 198.4 per 100,000 population, compared to 162.5 for non-Hispanic White persons
- In 2021, diagnosed diabetes prevalence among non-Hispanic Black adults was 12.1%, higher than 7.5% for non-Hispanic Whites
- In 2021, HIV diagnosis rate among Black adults was 41.6 per 100,000, 8 times higher than Whites at 5.3
- In 2021, maternal mortality rate for Black women was 69.9 per 100,000 live births, 3 times higher than 19.1 for White women
- In 2020, age-adjusted suicide rate among Black males was 13.6 per 100,000, higher than previous decades
African Americans face higher health burdens, so improving access and prevention can save more lives.
Related reading
01 · Category
Cancer29 stats
01
In 2020, Black men had a cancer mortality rate of 189.3 per 100,000, 23% higher than White men at 153.7
02
Black women face 12% higher breast cancer mortality than White women despite lower incidence
03
Prostate cancer incidence among Black men is 70% higher than White men
04
Colorectal cancer death rate for Blacks is 27% higher than Whites
05
Black Americans are twice as likely to die from cervical cancer than White women
06
Lung cancer mortality in Black men is 22% higher than White men
07
Black women have highest pancreatic cancer mortality rates
08
Only 59% of Black Americans are up to date on colorectal cancer screening vs 68% Whites
09
Multiple myeloma incidence in Blacks is 2.4 times higher than Whites
10
Black breast cancer patients diagnosed at stage III/IV 50% more often
11
Kidney cancer mortality 2 times higher in Black men
12
Oral cavity cancer death rates 40% higher for Blacks
13
5-year survival for Black prostate cancer patients is 78% vs 92% for Whites
14
Black women with ovarian cancer have 40% higher mortality risk
15
Liver cancer incidence rising 3% annually faster in Blacks
16
Black Americans receive chemotherapy less often for equivalent cancers
17
Uterine cancer mortality doubled in Black women from 2010-2019
18
Black men with stage I lung cancer get surgery 20% less often
19
Stomach cancer death rate 2.2 times higher in Blacks
20
Black breast cancer survivors report higher unmet supportive care needs
21
Esophageal cancer incidence 1.7 times higher in Black men
22
Black women diagnosed with endometrial cancer present at advanced stages more frequently
23
Bladder cancer survival 20% lower for Blacks
24
Black Americans have higher HPV-associated cancer rates despite vaccination
25
Melanoma mortality 50% higher in Blacks due to late diagnosis
26
Black thyroid cancer patients have worse recurrence-free survival
27
Brain cancer survival rates lower by 15% for Blacks
28
Leukemia incidence similar but mortality 20% higher in Blacks
29
Black lymphoma patients less likely to receive stem cell transplants
Interpretation
Cancer Interpretation
In 2020, the grim pattern across these cancer statistics is that Black Americans, especially men and women, experience higher mortality, more late stage diagnoses, and lower access to treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, proving that the fight against cancer is too often decided by inequity before it is decided by biology.
02 · Category
Cardiovascular Disease30 stats
01
In 2021, the age-adjusted death rate for heart disease among non-Hispanic Black persons was 198.4 per 100,000 population, compared to 162.5 for non-Hispanic White persons
02
African American adults are 30% more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic White adults
03
47% of African American adults have high blood pressure, compared to 36% of White adults
04
Stroke death rates for African Americans are 48% higher than for Whites
05
African American men have a 1 in 4 lifetime risk of stroke, higher than any other racial group
06
44% of African American adults have some form of cardiovascular disease
07
African Americans develop heart failure at age 52 on average, 5 years earlier than Whites
08
High cholesterol affects 37% of African American adults
09
African American women have a 70% higher risk of dying from stroke than White women
10
Only 48% of African Americans with hypertension have it under control, vs 55% of Whites
11
African Americans account for 24% of coronary heart disease deaths despite being 13% of population
12
Sudden cardiac death rates are 2.4 times higher in African American men under 35
13
56% of African American adults are overweight or obese, contributing to CVD risk
14
African Americans have 1.5 times higher prevalence of peripheral artery disease
15
Heart attack hospitalization rates for African Americans are 20% higher than Whites
16
African American adults under 65 have 2 times the CVD mortality rate of Whites
17
Sickle cell disease, affecting 1 in 365 African American births, leads to higher stroke risk
18
40% of African American adults with diabetes also have CVD
19
African Americans experience 30% higher atrial fibrillation-related strokes
20
Post-heart surgery survival rates are 15% lower for African Americans
21
African American youth have 2-3 times higher hypertension prevalence
22
1 in 3 African American men will develop heart disease in lifetime
23
African American women have highest rates of cardiomyopathy
24
CVD is the leading cause of death for African Americans, killing 93,000 annually
25
African Americans have 50% higher risk of hypertensive heart disease
26
25% of African American adults report family history of early CVD
27
African Americans undergo fewer cardiac rehab sessions post-event
28
Prevalence of coronary artery calcium is higher in African Americans at younger ages
29
African American veterans have 1.8 times higher heart failure hospitalization rates
30
60% of African American adults with CVD have multiple risk factors uncontrolled
Interpretation
Cardiovascular Disease Interpretation
These statistics tell a grim truth with a stubborn punchline: African Americans are hit by heart and stroke disease sooner, harder, and with less consistent follow through, even though the causes are often preventable and the need for equitable, earlier care is anything but mysterious.
03 · Category
Diabetes25 stats
01
In 2021, diagnosed diabetes prevalence among non-Hispanic Black adults was 12.1%, higher than 7.5% for non-Hispanic Whites
02
African American adults are 60% more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic Whites
03
34.5% of African American adults are obese, highest among racial groups
04
African American women have obesity rates of 56.9%, vs 39.8% for White women
05
Diabetes-related death rate for Blacks is 1.7 times higher than Whites
06
Only 22% of African Americans with diabetes achieve A1C <7%, vs 30% Whites
07
African American youth have 2-3 times higher prediabetes prevalence
08
25% of African American adults with hypertension also have diabetes
09
Gestational diabetes affects 14% of African American pregnancies
10
African Americans develop diabetes 4 years earlier on average
11
Kidney failure from diabetes is 3.2 times more common in Blacks
12
40% of African American adults with diabetes have CKD
13
Lower extremity amputations due to diabetes are 1.8 times higher in Blacks
14
African American men with diabetes have 50% higher heart disease risk
15
Insulin affordability issues affect 30% of African American diabetics
16
Retinopathy prevalence in African American diabetics is 38%
17
70% of African American type 2 diabetics are overweight at diagnosis
18
African Americans have 2.5 times higher risk of diabetic hyperosmolar state
19
Continuous glucose monitor use is 50% lower among African Americans
20
Hispanic Black adults have 15% higher undiagnosed diabetes rates
21
African American seniors over 65 have 27% diabetes prevalence
22
Diabetes contributes to 13% of deaths among African Americans aged 65+
23
Prediabetes awareness is 40% lower in African Americans
24
African American children have 4 times higher type 2 diabetes rates
25
Neuropathy affects 50% of African American diabetics
Interpretation
Diabetes Interpretation
These statistics read like a preventable pattern: African American communities face higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and its complications, earlier onset and worse outcomes than Whites, fueled by barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and affordability, while even youth and pregnancy are affected.
More related reading
04 · Category
Infectious Diseases27 stats
01
In 2021, HIV diagnosis rate among Black adults was 41.6 per 100,000, 8 times higher than Whites at 5.3
02
Black Americans account for 40% of new HIV diagnoses despite 13% population
03
HIV death rate for Blacks is 6 times higher than Whites
04
42% of Black gay and bisexual men living with HIV
05
Late HIV diagnosis (stage 3) in 36% of Black cases vs 24% Whites
06
Black women represent 50% of new HIV infections among women
07
PrEP use among Black MSM is only 10%, vs 20% Whites
08
Syphilis rates among Blacks 5.5 times higher than Whites at 37.9 per 100,000
09
Gonorrhea incidence in Blacks 5.6 times higher
10
Chlamydia rates 5.6 times higher among Black females
11
Hepatitis C prevalence 2 times higher in Blacks
12
TB incidence among Blacks 6 times U.S. average
13
COVID-19 death rate for Blacks 1.7 times higher than Whites
14
Influenza hospitalization rates 3 times higher in Blacks
15
Sickle cell trait carriers 1 in 13 Blacks, increasing infection risks
16
Black children have higher pneumococcal disease rates pre-vaccine
17
HIV viral suppression 59% in Blacks vs 70% Whites
18
Congenital syphilis in Black infants 7 times higher
19
Black adults 4 times more likely to have chronic HBV
20
Pertussis hospitalization 4 times higher in Black infants
21
Black women have highest HPV prevalence at 44%
22
MRSA infection rates higher in Black hospitalized patients
23
Black transplant recipients have higher post-op infection rates
24
Valley fever hospitalization 3 times higher in Blacks
25
Black sickle cell patients 10 times higher osteomyelitis risk
26
HIV testing rates 75% lifetime but recent testing lower at 40%
27
Black MSM account for 70% of new infections among MSM
Interpretation
Infectious Diseases Interpretation
These statistics tell a grim, stubborn story: even when many Black Americans get tested at some point, unequal infection rates, lower prevention use like PrEP, higher rates of late diagnosis, and chronic burdens such as sickle cell and community level health disparities keep turning preventable diseases into preventable deaths, with HIV as the sharpest example.
05 · Category
Maternal Health27 stats
01
In 2021, maternal mortality rate for Black women was 69.9 per 100,000 live births, 3 times higher than 19.1 for White women
02
Black infants have 2.4 times higher infant mortality rate than White infants at 10.9 vs 4.5 per 1,000
03
Severe maternal morbidity affects 144 per 10,000 Black deliveries vs 90 for Whites
04
Preterm birth rate for Black women is 14.2%, 50% higher than Whites
05
Low birthweight occurs in 13.7% of Black infants vs 7% White
06
Black women are 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related cardiomyopathy
07
Postpartum hemorrhage rates 60% higher in Black women
08
Preeclampsia affects 5% of Black pregnancies vs 3.5% White
09
Black women receive later or no prenatal care in 7.5% of pregnancies
10
Sudden unexpected infant death 2.9 times higher in Black infants
11
Black teen birth rate is 26.1 per 1,000, twice that of Whites
12
Cesarean delivery rate for Black women is 36.1%, higher than 31.7% for Whites
13
Hypertensive disorders cause 15% of Black maternal deaths
14
Black women experience 50% higher ectopic pregnancy rates
15
Neonatal sepsis mortality 3 times higher in Black newborns
16
Black mothers have 2 times higher placenta previa rates
17
Fetal mortality rate 1.8 times higher for Black fetuses
18
Black women with college degrees still have 5 times higher maternal mortality
19
Infection-related maternal deaths 3 times higher in Blacks
20
Black preterm infants have 50% higher NICU admission rates
21
Maternal sepsis rates 1.7 times higher in Black women
22
Black women report 20% less satisfaction with childbirth care
23
Perinatal depression screening lower for Black mothers at 60%
24
Black infant abstinence syndrome from opioids 2 times higher
25
Maternal stroke risk 5 times higher in Black women postpartum
26
Black women have 30% higher gestational hypertension rates
27
Infant mortality from congenital anomalies 1.5 times higher in Blacks
Interpretation
Maternal Health Interpretation
These statistics are a stark reminder that for Black mothers and babies, the numbers say the same story over and over again, with higher rates of death, disease, and preventable complications that persist even into the “expected” protective categories like prenatal care and college education.
06 · Category
Mental Health22 stats
01
In 2020, age-adjusted suicide rate among Black males was 13.6 per 100,000, higher than previous decades
02
19.1% of Black adults report serious psychological distress
03
Black youth have 13.3% major depressive episode rate
04
Only 31.9% of Black adults with mental illness receive treatment
05
Black women report postpartum depression at 11.4%, but underdiagnosed
06
Opioid overdose death rate increased 188% among Blacks 2015-2020
07
Black adolescents have highest vaping rates at 16%
08
24% of Black adults report anxiety symptoms
09
Black veterans PTSD prevalence 20% higher than Whites
10
Alcohol use disorder 14.7% among Black adults
11
Black men suicide attempts 50% higher in rural areas
12
Schizophrenia diagnosis 2.4 times higher in Blacks
13
Black children autism diagnosis delayed by 18 months
14
40% of Black adults with depression untreated due to stigma
15
Black LGBTQ+ youth suicide attempt rate 47%
16
Illicit drug use 20.3% among Black adults
17
Bipolar disorder treatment gap 60% for Blacks
18
Black seniors dementia prevalence 14%, higher with vascular risks
19
COVID-19 anxiety 2 times higher in Black communities
20
Black men homicide as suicide proxy rate high
21
ADHD diagnosis in Black boys 3 times medication rates lower
22
Black women report highest burnout rates 52%
Interpretation
Mental Health Interpretation
These statistics paint a clear but unsettling picture: Black communities are shouldering disproportionately high mental health burdens and health risks, while stigma, underdiagnosis, unequal access to treatment, and targeted harms leave many people without the care they need, until crises like suicide, overdoses, and violence force the issue.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Thomas Lindqvist. (2026, February 13). African American Health Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/african-american-health-statistics
MLA
Thomas Lindqvist. "African American Health Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/african-american-health-statistics.
Chicago
Thomas Lindqvist. 2026. "African American Health Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/african-american-health-statistics.
Sources & references
38 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level