Risk of cancer death linked to how much people pay in taxes, study finds
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In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers from The Ohio State University, Emory University, and the University of Verona explored the impact of state-level tax revenue on cancer screenings and mortality rates in the U.S. The study analyzed 1,150 state-years of tax data over a 23-year period, between 1997 and 2019, and reviewed population-level cancer screening rates and cancer-related deaths from CDC databases.
The findings of the study revealed that states with higher tax income had increased cancer screening rates and decreased cancer mortality rates. For each $1,000 increase in tax revenue per capita, there was a 1.61% increase in colorectal cancer screening, a 2.17% increase in breast cancer screening, and a 0.72% increase in cervical cancer screening rates. Additionally, among those with cancerous tumors, each $1,000 increase in tax revenue per capita was linked to up to a 4% decrease in death rates among White patients.
The researchers suggested that state-level tax policy could be an underappreciated social determinant of health that may improve cancer-related outcomes in the U.S. Progressive tax policies could potentially increase disposable income for working-class households, leading to improved health and cancer outcomes.
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health, noted that higher taxes could provide individuals with more resources to purchase healthier food, engage in relaxation and exercise, and access better healthcare. This, in turn, could lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and ultimately, a lower risk of cancer-related death.
While the study had some limitations, such as potential biases in cancer screening rates based on patient questionnaires and measurement errors in the data, the findings underscore the importance of considering the impact of tax policies on public health outcomes.
Overall, the study sheds light on the potential benefits of progressive tax policies in improving cancer screening rates and reducing mortality rates. By addressing social determinants of health, such as access to healthcare and financial resources, policymakers may be able to bridge the gaps in cancer care and enhance outcomes for individuals facing cancer diagnoses.
