2709 - Temporal Trends and Demographic Patterns in Cervical Cancer Mortality in the United States (1999-2020)
Presenter(s)
P. Ashar1, K. Tamirisa2, and P. Karanam3; 1Duke University, Durham, NC, 2Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 3Smilow Cancer Hospital at Saint Francis Center, Trinity Health of New England, Hartford, CT
Purpose/Objective(s): Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women, with prevention and screening efforts playing a critical role in reducing disease burden. This study aims to assess temporal trends in age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) for cervical cancer in the United States from 1999 to 2020 and examine differences in AAMRs by race, ethnicity, and geographic region. By analyzing these patterns, this study seeks to provide insights into disease burden and inform future public health strategies.
Materials/Methods: Mortality data from the CDC WONDER database were analyzed for female patients aged 35 and older between 1999 and 2020, with cervical cancer (ICD-10 codes C53.0–C53.9) listed as the underlying cause of death. AAMRs per 100,000 individuals were calculated, and temporal trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression. Differences in AAMRs were also assessed across racial, ethnic, and geographic subgroups, as well as urban-rural classifications.
Results: A total of 84,943 cervical cancer-related deaths were recorded over the study period. Between 1999 and 2020, the overall AAMR declined from 2.9 (95% CI, 2.8–2.9) to 2.1 (95% CI, 2.1–2.2), reflecting an annual percent change of -1.24% (p<0.001). Racial disparities in mortality were evident, with African American women experiencing the highest AAMR (4.2 [95% CI, 4.1–4.3]), followed by White (2.1 [95% CI, 2.1–2.1]), Asian (2.0 [95% CI, 1.9–2.0]), and American Indian (1.9 [95% CI, 1.8–2.1]) populations. Ethnic differences were also observed, with Hispanic women exhibiting a higher AAMR (2.7 [95% CI, 2.6–2.7]) compared to non-Hispanic women (2.3 [95% CI, 2.2–2.3]). Urban-rural mortality patterns showed no significant differences, with comparable AAMRs in noncore rural regions and large central metropolitan areas (2.6 [95% CI, 2.6–2.7] vs. 2.6 [95% CI, 2.5–2.6]). Regionally, the South had the highest AAMR (2.6 [95% CI, 2.6–2.7]), followed by the Midwest (2.1 [95% CI, 2.1–2.2]), Northeast (2.1 [95% CI, 2.1–2.1]), and West (2.1 [95% CI, 2.0–2.1]).
Conclusion: Although cervical cancer mortality has declined over the past two decades, significant disparities persist across racial, ethnic, and regional lines. African American and Hispanic women continue to experience disproportionately high mortality rates, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and intervention strategies. Addressing these disparities through enhanced access to screening programs, vaccination initiatives, and region-specific healthcare policies may improve outcomes for at-risk populations.