Are U.S. lung cancer mortality rates converging?

Abstract

This study considers whether lung cancer death rates are converging in the United States. Using annual data for the contiguous U.S. states during 1968–2016, the findings indicate the occurrence of β -convergence in lung cancer deaths among various demographic groups. The convergence is more prevalent in the Midwest, non-Black Belt region, and non-coastal states. Given the declining trends in lung cancer incidence and death rates, such a convergence implies an improvement in lung cancer prevention strategies of the states that were not doing quite well in the past. The findings have important policy implications regarding the dissemination of lung cancer prevention strategies across specific groups and regions.