A recent study suggests that how much you spend on taxes could significantly influence your risk of cancer. According to researchers, there’s a notable link between states with high tax rates and a reduction in cancer-related deaths. Specifically, the study found that for every additional $1,000 generated through tax revenue per person annually, the death rate from cancer decreased by up to four percent.
States with higher tax rates, such as New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, reported some of the lowest cancer mortality rates in the United States. In contrast, states with lower income tax, including Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky, exhibited some of the highest mortality rates due to cancer. This disparity raises questions about the role of state funding in healthcare and screening initiatives.
The researchers attributed the improved outcomes in high tax states to the increased likelihood of these states providing essential services such as cancer screening and diagnostic tests, which can detect cancer at earlier, more treatable stages. For every additional $1,000 in tax revenue, the study indicated that cancer screening rates generally increased by up to two percent.
The study, conducted by researchers from Ohio State University, Emory University in Atlanta, and the University of Verona in Italy, analyzed data from the US Census Bureau and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. They calculated the average tax revenue per person in each state and examined changes over time. Tax revenue data spanned from 1997 to 2019, while cancer mortality rates were evaluated from 1991 to 2021 using CDC databases.
In 2021, the average cancer mortality rate was 174 deaths per 100,000 among white Americans, while the rate was notably higher at 206 per 100,000 for the non-Hispanic Black population. Kentucky reported the highest overall cancer mortality rate at 205 per 100,000, whereas Utah boasted the lowest rate at 133 per 100,000.
Over 23 years, the average national state tax revenue per person was $4,432. New York led with the highest tax revenue at $8,400, followed closely by Connecticut at $7,100 and New Jersey at $6,800. All three states reported cancer mortality rates between 160 and 168 per 100,000, which is below the national average.
On the lower end of the spectrum, Alabama had the lowest tax revenue at $3,300, with Tennessee ($3,400) and Mississippi ($3,500) following closely. Alarmingly, Mississippi had the second-highest cancer mortality rate at 201 per 100,000, while Tennessee and South Carolina recorded rates of 193 and 184 per 100,000, respectively.
The findings reveal that for every $1,000 tax increase, the average cancer mortality rate across all cancers decreased by two percent. This decrease was even more pronounced at three percent for white individuals. For cancers that have recommended screening methods, such as colon and breast cancer, each $1,000 increase in tax revenue was linked to a four percent decrease in mortality rates, escalating to five percent for white populations. The researchers emphasized that these reductions could stem from increased funding for state health initiatives and screening programs.
Interestingly, Utah, which recorded the lowest cancer mortality rate, also ranks among the lowest in tax revenue at $3,800 per capita per year. The researchers suggest that this discrepancy may be attributed to a lower prevalence of common risk factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. In 2022, Utah had the nation's lowest smoking rate at seven percent, and only 12 percent of adults engaged in binge drinking, the lowest percentage in the United States.
The absence of smokers and drinkers in Utah can be partially explained by the state's significant Mormon population, which discourages these habits. Over half of Utah's residents identify as Mormon, contributing to healthier lifestyle choices that may reduce cancer risks.
The researchers concluded that the evidence-based screening programs represent successful state-level initiatives, highlighting how government revenue allocation can significantly advance healthcare and cancer prevention goals. However, they noted that there were no significant differences in cancer death rates concerning tax increases for minority populations, indicating that increased screening measures may not have reached these groups effectively.
While the study draws compelling correlations between tax revenue and cancer mortality rates, it is essential to recognize that the research indicates an association rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
