State Cancer Profiles > Interpretation of Rate/Trend Comparison by Cancer Data

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Interpretation of Rate/Trend Comparison by Cancer Data

Death Rate/Trend Comparison by Cancer, 2019-2023

Montana Counties versus United States

All Cancer Sites

All Races, Male

Sorted by priority index

Explanation of Column Headers

State/County - The site and sex combination for this comparison.

Priority Index ¹ - The priority index is based upon the direction of the trend and the rate comparison. An index of 1 is the highest priority - that trend is rising and the rate is already higher. An index of 9 is the lowest priority - the trend is falling and the rate is already lower.

Recent Trends - This is an interpretation of the AAPC:

Rising when 95% confidence interval of average annual percent change is above 0.
Stable when 95% confidence interval of average annual percent change includes 0.
Falling when 95% confidence interval of average annual percent change is below 0.

AAPC (95% Confidence Interval) - The Average Annual Percent Change is the change in rate over time. These AAPCs are based upon APCs that were calculated by Joinpoint Regression Program

Other Notes

Larger confidence intervals indicate less stability of the data. This is often due to low counts that are not quite low enough to be suppressed.
Data is currently being suppressed if there are fewer than 16 counts for the time period.

Line by Line Interpretation of the Report

United States

Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -1.8 with a 95% confidence interval from -1.8 to -1.7.
Rate : The death rate is 171.5 with a 95% confidence interval from 171.3 to 171.8 and 318,737 average annual deaths.

Montana

Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -1.2 with a 95% confidence interval from -1.9 to 0.8.
Rate : The death rate is 165.1 with a 95% confidence interval from 160.7 to 169.5 and 1,183 average annual deaths.

Dawson County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 4.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -0.5 with a 95% confidence interval from -3.3 to 2.3.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is higher compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 237.4 with a 95% confidence interval from 182.6 to 304.3 and 13 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.4

Jefferson County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 4.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -1.3 with a 95% confidence interval from -3.4 to 1.2.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is higher compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 223.0 with a 95% confidence interval from 178.0 to 277.1 and 21 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.3

Roosevelt County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 4.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -0.5 with a 95% confidence interval from -3.8 to 2.6.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is higher compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 253.5 with a 95% confidence interval from 188.2 to 333.5 and 12 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.5

Beaverhead County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -1.4 with a 95% confidence interval from -3.1 to 0.5.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 154.4 with a 95% confidence interval from 118.0 to 201.0 and 13 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 0.9

Big Horn County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -1.6 with a 95% confidence interval from -3.6 to 0.6.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 208.6 with a 95% confidence interval from 159.2 to 268.5 and 13 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.2

Chouteau County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -1.8 with a 95% confidence interval from -4.7 to 1.0.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 162.6 with a 95% confidence interval from 112.2 to 231.4 and 7 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 0.9

Custer County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -1.0 with a 95% confidence interval from -2.8 to 0.8.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 198.2 with a 95% confidence interval from 157.1 to 248.1 and 17 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.2

Fergus County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -1.4 with a 95% confidence interval from -3.2 to 0.4.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 170.9 with a 95% confidence interval from 134.7 to 215.4 and 16 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.0

Glacier County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -1.4 with a 95% confidence interval from -3.6 to 0.9.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 181.6 with a 95% confidence interval from 136.4 to 237.0 and 12 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.1

Hill County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -1.1 with a 95% confidence interval from -3.0 to 0.8.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 199.5 with a 95% confidence interval from 158.5 to 247.9 and 18 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.2

Lake County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is 9.9 with a 95% confidence interval from -1.8 to 19.0.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 176.7 with a 95% confidence interval from 152.7 to 203.8 and 43 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.0

Lewis and Clark County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -0.9 with a 95% confidence interval from -1.8 to 0.0.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 180.0 with a 95% confidence interval from 161.9 to 199.7 and 80 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.0

Madison County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -0.6 with a 95% confidence interval from -3.7 to 2.7.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 135.0 with a 95% confidence interval from 99.3 to 182.5 and 11 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 0.8

Mineral County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -1.6 with a 95% confidence interval from -4.2 to 1.6.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 191.0 with a 95% confidence interval from 138.5 to 264.3 and 10 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.1

Park County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -1.4 with a 95% confidence interval from -3.0 to 0.4.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 175.1 with a 95% confidence interval from 143.9 to 212.3 and 24 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.0

Phillips County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -2.5 with a 95% confidence interval from -5.4 to 0.3.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 149.8 with a 95% confidence interval from 94.4 to 230.6 and 5 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 0.9

Pondera County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is 10.2 with a 95% confidence interval from -2.8 to 42.7.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 210.4 with a 95% confidence interval from 148.1 to 291.4 and 8 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.2

Sheridan County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -0.8 with a 95% confidence interval from -3.2 to 1.4.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 244.8 with a 95% confidence interval from 167.8 to 350.5 and 7 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.4

Silver Bow County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -1.3 with a 95% confidence interval from -5.7 to 4.8.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 178.0 with a 95% confidence interval from 153.5 to 205.5 and 41 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.0

Stillwater County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -1.6 with a 95% confidence interval from -4.6 to 1.9.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 140.0 with a 95% confidence interval from 102.6 to 189.0 and 11 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 0.8

Sweet Grass County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -0.2 with a 95% confidence interval from -2.8 to 2.6.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 140.5 with a 95% confidence interval from 85.9 to 224.6 and 4 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 0.8

Valley County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 6.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is 4.6 with a 95% confidence interval from -3.2 to 24.3.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 181.3 with a 95% confidence interval from 135.5 to 240.2 and 11 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.1

Gallatin County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 7.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is stable because the trend is -1.0 with a 95% confidence interval from -2.4 to 0.6.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is lower compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 139.1 with a 95% confidence interval from 124.5 to 154.9 and 73 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 0.8

Blaine County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 8.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -2.3 with a 95% confidence interval from -4.7 to -0.1.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 155.4 with a 95% confidence interval from 102.0 to 227.0 and 6 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 0.9

Broadwater County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 8.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -2.9 with a 95% confidence interval from -4.8 to -0.9.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 139.6 with a 95% confidence interval from 96.9 to 197.1 and 8 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 0.8

Cascade County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 8.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -1.8 with a 95% confidence interval from -2.3 to -1.4.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 163.1 with a 95% confidence interval from 148.0 to 179.4 and 89 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.0

Deer Lodge County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 8.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -2.1 with a 95% confidence interval from -4.1 to -0.2.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 152.0 with a 95% confidence interval from 114.4 to 201.0 and 12 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 0.9

Flathead County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 8.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -1.5 with a 95% confidence interval from -2.0 to -1.0.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 163.6 with a 95% confidence interval from 150.2 to 178.0 and 119 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.0

Lincoln County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 8.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -1.8 with a 95% confidence interval from -3.3 to -0.1.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 173.0 with a 95% confidence interval from 146.8 to 204.0 and 36 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.0

Musselshell County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 8.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -3.0 with a 95% confidence interval from -5.5 to -0.5.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 169.6 with a 95% confidence interval from 115.9 to 244.7 and 7 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.0

Powell County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 8.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -2.5 with a 95% confidence interval from -4.7 to -0.3.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 188.9 with a 95% confidence interval from 141.1 to 250.4 and 11 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.1

Ravalli County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 8.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -1.2 with a 95% confidence interval from -2.3 to -0.1.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 176.8 with a 95% confidence interval from 157.4 to 198.3 and 69 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.0

Richland County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 8.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -2.0 with a 95% confidence interval from -3.4 to -0.6.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 163.2 with a 95% confidence interval from 123.2 to 212.8 and 12 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.0

Rosebud County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 8.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -2.8 with a 95% confidence interval from -4.9 to -0.8.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 132.2 with a 95% confidence interval from 88.2 to 191.2 and 6 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 0.8

Sanders County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 8.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -2.6 with a 95% confidence interval from -4.2 to -1.0.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 166.6 with a 95% confidence interval from 134.0 to 207.0 and 22 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.0

Toole County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 8.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -2.3 with a 95% confidence interval from -4.4 to -0.3.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 178.1 with a 95% confidence interval from 117.3 to 260.2 and 6 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.0

Yellowstone County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 8.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -1.6 with a 95% confidence interval from -2.2 to -1.1.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is similar compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 168.0 with a 95% confidence interval from 156.3 to 180.3 and 162 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 1.0

Carbon County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 9.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -3.3 with a 95% confidence interval from -5.1 to -1.6.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is lower compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 116.3 with a 95% confidence interval from 87.2 to 154.5 and 12 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 0.7

Granite County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 9.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -3.9 with a 95% confidence interval from -7.5 to -0.2.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is lower compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 100.8 with a 95% confidence interval from 58.8 to 175.8 and 4 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 0.6

Missoula County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 9.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -1.8 with a 95% confidence interval from -2.6 to -0.9.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is lower compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 150.7 with a 95% confidence interval from 137.0 to 165.4 and 96 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 0.9

Teton County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index is 9.
Recent Trend(2) : The trend is falling because the trend is -3.2 with a 95% confidence interval from -6.1 to -0.5.
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : This death rate is lower compared to the US rate
Rate : The death rate is 113.9 with a 95% confidence interval from 77.8 to 165.5 and 6 average annual deaths.
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : The rate ratio is 0.7

Carter County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index cannot be determined.
Recent Trend(2) : **
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : *
Rate : *
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : *

Daniels County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index cannot be determined.
Recent Trend(2) : **
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : *
Rate : *
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : *

Fallon County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index cannot be determined.
Recent Trend(2) : **
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : *
Rate : *
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : *

Garfield County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index cannot be determined.
Recent Trend(2) : **
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : *
Rate : *
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : *

Golden Valley County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index cannot be determined.
Recent Trend(2) : **
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : *
Rate : *
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : *

Judith Basin County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index cannot be determined.
Recent Trend(2) : **
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : *
Rate : *
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : *

Liberty County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index cannot be determined.
Recent Trend(2) : **
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : *
Rate : *
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : *

McCone County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index cannot be determined.
Recent Trend(2) : **
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : *
Rate : *
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : *

Meagher County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index cannot be determined.
Recent Trend(2) : **
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : *
Rate : *
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : *

Petroleum County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index cannot be determined.
Recent Trend(2) : **
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : *
Rate : *
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : *

Powder River County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index cannot be determined.
Recent Trend(2) : **
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : *
Rate : *
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : *

Prairie County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index cannot be determined.
Recent Trend(2) : **
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : *
Rate : *
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : *

Treasure County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index cannot be determined.
Recent Trend(2) : **
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : *
Rate : *
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : *

Wheatland County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index cannot be determined.
Recent Trend(2) : **
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : *
Rate : *
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : *

Wibaux County

Priority Index(1) : The priority index cannot be determined.
Recent Trend(2) : **
County Death Rate Compared to US Rate : *
Rate : *
Rate Ratio(3) County to US : *

Notes:
Created by statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov on 03/22/2026 5:23 am.

Trend²
Rising

when 95% confidence interval of average annual percent change is above 0.
Stable

when 95% confidence interval of average annual percent change includes 0.
Falling

when 95% confidence interval of average annual percent change is below 0.
Rate Comparison
Above

when 95% confident the rate is above and Rate Ratio³ > 1.10
Similar

when unable to conclude above or below with confidence.
Below

when 95% confident the rate is below and Rate Ratio³ < 0.90

* Data has been suppressed to ensure confidentiality and stability of rate and trend estimates.
¹ Priority indices were created by ordering from rates that are rising and above the comparison rate to rates that are falling and below the comparison rate.
² Recent trend in death rates is usually an Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) based on the APCs calculated by Joinpoint. Due to data availability issues, the time period and/or calculation method used in the calculation of the trends may differ for selected geographic areas.
³ Rate ratio is the county rate divided by the US rate. Previous versions of this table used one-year rates for states and five-year rates for counties. As of June 2018, only five-year rates are used.
Source: Death data provided by the National Vital Statistics System public use data file. Death rates calculated by the National Cancer Institute using SEER*Stat. Death rates are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population (20 age groups: <1, 1-4, 5-9, ... , 80-84, 85-89, 90+). The Healthy People 2030 goals are based on rates adjusted using different methods but the differences should be minimal. Population counts for denominators are based on Census populations as modified by NCI. The US Population Data File is used with mortality data.
Note: When the population size for a denominator is small, the rates may be unstable. A rate is unstable when a small change in the numerator (e.g., only one or two additional cases) has a dramatic effect on the calculated rate. Suppression is used to avoid misinterpretation when rates are unstable.

State Cancer Registries may provide more current or more local data. Data presented on the State Cancer Profiles Web Site may differ from statistics reported by the State Cancer Registries (for more information).

Data for the following has been suppressed to ensure confidentiality and stability of rate and trend estimates:
Carter County, Daniels County, Fallon County, Garfield County, Golden Valley County, Judith Basin County, Liberty County, McCone County, Meagher County, Petroleum County, Powder River County, Prairie County, Treasure County, Wheatland County, Wibaux County

Interpret Rankings provides insight into interpreting cancer statistics. When the population size for a denominator is small, the rates may be unstable. A rate is unstable when a small change in the numerator (e.g., only one or two additional cases) has a dramatic effect on the calculated rate.

Data for United States do not include Puerto Rico.

State Cancer Profiles