The rate of child and teen cancer deaths in the US fell 24% from 2001 to 2021 among Black, Hispanic and non-Hispanic white youths up to 19 years old. Death rates among children of all ages in those groups dropped between 2001 and 2011 but after 2011, only children 9 and younger saw "significant" declines. All races saw cancer death rates fall 15-17% within the first decade, but only death rates among white children continued to drop significantly after 2011 and by 2021 was 19-20% lower than for their Black and Hispanic peers. The rate dropped only slightly for Hispanic youths -- and increased for Black youths -- between 2011 and 2021. “The overall message is good news,” said lead author Sally Curtin. Pediatric oncologists say the overall decline could be explained by advancements in treatments, such as immunotherapy treatments which use the body’s own immune system to fight some cancers.

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