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Assessing Geographical Trends in End-of-Life Cancer Care Using CDC WONDER’s Place of Death Data
Background
19.8% of all deaths in the US in 2023 were due to cancer. Despite its prevalence, there is minimal literature analyzing geographical trends in end-of-life care in cancer patients. This study aims to assess the evolution of end-of-life preferences in cancer patients, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and account for geographical disparities to optimize palliative care delivery.
Methods
The CDC WONDER database was used to collect data on place of death (home, hospice, medical facilities, nursing homes) in patients over 25 years old that died with malignant neoplasms (ICD 10: C00- C97) in the US from 2003-2023. Deaths were stratified by region and urbanization. Proportional mortality was calculated, and statistically significant trends in mortality over time were identified using Joinpoint regression.
Results
There were 13,654,631 total deaths from malignant neoplasms over the study period. Home (40.3%) was the most common place of death followed by medical facilities (30.4%), nursing homes (14.3%), and hospice (8.9%). In 2020, all places experienced a decreased in proportion except for home which rose 7.0% from 41.7% to 48.7%. The South had the highest hospice rates (11.3%); 5.0% greater than the next highest region (Northeast; 8.3%). The West had the highest home rates (47.1%); 6.2% greater than the next closest region (South; 40.9%). The Northeast had the highest medical facility rates (36.0%); 5.5% higher than the next highest region (South, 30.5%). Nonmetro areas (< 50,000 population) had the lowest hospice (4.9%) and highest nursing home rates (15.8%). They also saw a substantial jump (+15.4%) in home deaths from 2019-21. All urbanizations saw a drop in medical facility deaths in 2020 but all have since climbed to surpass their 2019 rates except for nonmetro areas which have dropped 7.3% from 2020-2023.
Conclusion
Hospice and home deaths have increased in frequency with home deaths spiking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Geographical disparities persist in end-of-life care, particularly in nonmetro areas. This highlights the need to increase education and access to palliative care. Further research should aim at why the rural populations have failed to revert to pre-COVID trends like the other urbanization groups.
Background
19.8% of all deaths in the US in 2023 were due to cancer. Despite its prevalence, there is minimal literature analyzing geographical trends in end-of-life care in cancer patients. This study aims to assess the evolution of end-of-life preferences in cancer patients, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and account for geographical disparities to optimize palliative care delivery.
Methods
The CDC WONDER database was used to collect data on place of death (home, hospice, medical facilities, nursing homes) in patients over 25 years old that died with malignant neoplasms (ICD 10: C00- C97) in the US from 2003-2023. Deaths were stratified by region and urbanization. Proportional mortality was calculated, and statistically significant trends in mortality over time were identified using Joinpoint regression.
Results
There were 13,654,631 total deaths from malignant neoplasms over the study period. Home (40.3%) was the most common place of death followed by medical facilities (30.4%), nursing homes (14.3%), and hospice (8.9%). In 2020, all places experienced a decreased in proportion except for home which rose 7.0% from 41.7% to 48.7%. The South had the highest hospice rates (11.3%); 5.0% greater than the next highest region (Northeast; 8.3%). The West had the highest home rates (47.1%); 6.2% greater than the next closest region (South; 40.9%). The Northeast had the highest medical facility rates (36.0%); 5.5% higher than the next highest region (South, 30.5%). Nonmetro areas (< 50,000 population) had the lowest hospice (4.9%) and highest nursing home rates (15.8%). They also saw a substantial jump (+15.4%) in home deaths from 2019-21. All urbanizations saw a drop in medical facility deaths in 2020 but all have since climbed to surpass their 2019 rates except for nonmetro areas which have dropped 7.3% from 2020-2023.
Conclusion
Hospice and home deaths have increased in frequency with home deaths spiking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Geographical disparities persist in end-of-life care, particularly in nonmetro areas. This highlights the need to increase education and access to palliative care. Further research should aim at why the rural populations have failed to revert to pre-COVID trends like the other urbanization groups.
Background
19.8% of all deaths in the US in 2023 were due to cancer. Despite its prevalence, there is minimal literature analyzing geographical trends in end-of-life care in cancer patients. This study aims to assess the evolution of end-of-life preferences in cancer patients, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and account for geographical disparities to optimize palliative care delivery.
Methods
The CDC WONDER database was used to collect data on place of death (home, hospice, medical facilities, nursing homes) in patients over 25 years old that died with malignant neoplasms (ICD 10: C00- C97) in the US from 2003-2023. Deaths were stratified by region and urbanization. Proportional mortality was calculated, and statistically significant trends in mortality over time were identified using Joinpoint regression.
Results
There were 13,654,631 total deaths from malignant neoplasms over the study period. Home (40.3%) was the most common place of death followed by medical facilities (30.4%), nursing homes (14.3%), and hospice (8.9%). In 2020, all places experienced a decreased in proportion except for home which rose 7.0% from 41.7% to 48.7%. The South had the highest hospice rates (11.3%); 5.0% greater than the next highest region (Northeast; 8.3%). The West had the highest home rates (47.1%); 6.2% greater than the next closest region (South; 40.9%). The Northeast had the highest medical facility rates (36.0%); 5.5% higher than the next highest region (South, 30.5%). Nonmetro areas (< 50,000 population) had the lowest hospice (4.9%) and highest nursing home rates (15.8%). They also saw a substantial jump (+15.4%) in home deaths from 2019-21. All urbanizations saw a drop in medical facility deaths in 2020 but all have since climbed to surpass their 2019 rates except for nonmetro areas which have dropped 7.3% from 2020-2023.
Conclusion
Hospice and home deaths have increased in frequency with home deaths spiking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Geographical disparities persist in end-of-life care, particularly in nonmetro areas. This highlights the need to increase education and access to palliative care. Further research should aim at why the rural populations have failed to revert to pre-COVID trends like the other urbanization groups.
Demographical Trends in End-of-Life Care in Malignant Neoplasms: A CDC Wonder Analysis Using Place of Death
Background
In 2024, it was estimated that 2,001,140 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States with 611,720 people succumbing to the disease. There is scant literature analyzing how the place of death in cancer patients has evolved over time, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it varies demographically. This study aims to analyze the evolution of end-of-life preferences in cancer patients and assess for racial or sexual disparities to optimize palliative care and ensure it aligns with the patient’s wishes.
Methods
The CDC Wonder database was used to collect data on place of death (home, hospice, medical facilities, nursing homes) in patients over 25 years old who died with malignant neoplasms (ICD-10: C00-C97) in the US from 2003-2023. Deaths were stratified by sex and race. Proportional mortality was calculated, and statistically significant temporal trends in mortality were identified using Joinpoint regression.
Results
From 2003 to 2023, there were 13,654,631 total deaths from malignant cancer. Home deaths were the most common (40.3%) followed by medical facilities (30.4%), nursing homes (14.3%), and hospice (8.9%). In 2020, all places experienced a decrease in proportion except for home which rose 7.1%. From 2003-2023, home (+4.0%) and hospice (+10.0%) rose in frequency while medical facility (-10.9%) and nursing home (-6.8%) declined. Females died in nursing homes at a greater proportion than males (15.8% vs. 13.1%) while males died in medical facilities more frequently (32.4% vs. 28.8%). Black patients were the least likely to die at home (33.1%), 5.9% less than the next lowest (Asian/ Pacific Islander; 39.0%), while Hispanic patients were most likely (46.9%); 5.7% more than the next highest (White, 41.7%). White patients were the least likely to die in medical facilities (28.4%) but were also most likely to die in nursing homes (15.3%).
Conclusions
Hospice and home deaths have increased in frequency with home deaths spiking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disparities persist in end-of-life care across both sex and racial groups. This highlights the need to increase education and access to palliative care. Further research should elucidate cultural and racial discrepancies surrounding end-of-life treatment and preferences to provide context for these differences.
Background
In 2024, it was estimated that 2,001,140 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States with 611,720 people succumbing to the disease. There is scant literature analyzing how the place of death in cancer patients has evolved over time, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it varies demographically. This study aims to analyze the evolution of end-of-life preferences in cancer patients and assess for racial or sexual disparities to optimize palliative care and ensure it aligns with the patient’s wishes.
Methods
The CDC Wonder database was used to collect data on place of death (home, hospice, medical facilities, nursing homes) in patients over 25 years old who died with malignant neoplasms (ICD-10: C00-C97) in the US from 2003-2023. Deaths were stratified by sex and race. Proportional mortality was calculated, and statistically significant temporal trends in mortality were identified using Joinpoint regression.
Results
From 2003 to 2023, there were 13,654,631 total deaths from malignant cancer. Home deaths were the most common (40.3%) followed by medical facilities (30.4%), nursing homes (14.3%), and hospice (8.9%). In 2020, all places experienced a decrease in proportion except for home which rose 7.1%. From 2003-2023, home (+4.0%) and hospice (+10.0%) rose in frequency while medical facility (-10.9%) and nursing home (-6.8%) declined. Females died in nursing homes at a greater proportion than males (15.8% vs. 13.1%) while males died in medical facilities more frequently (32.4% vs. 28.8%). Black patients were the least likely to die at home (33.1%), 5.9% less than the next lowest (Asian/ Pacific Islander; 39.0%), while Hispanic patients were most likely (46.9%); 5.7% more than the next highest (White, 41.7%). White patients were the least likely to die in medical facilities (28.4%) but were also most likely to die in nursing homes (15.3%).
Conclusions
Hospice and home deaths have increased in frequency with home deaths spiking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disparities persist in end-of-life care across both sex and racial groups. This highlights the need to increase education and access to palliative care. Further research should elucidate cultural and racial discrepancies surrounding end-of-life treatment and preferences to provide context for these differences.
Background
In 2024, it was estimated that 2,001,140 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States with 611,720 people succumbing to the disease. There is scant literature analyzing how the place of death in cancer patients has evolved over time, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it varies demographically. This study aims to analyze the evolution of end-of-life preferences in cancer patients and assess for racial or sexual disparities to optimize palliative care and ensure it aligns with the patient’s wishes.
Methods
The CDC Wonder database was used to collect data on place of death (home, hospice, medical facilities, nursing homes) in patients over 25 years old who died with malignant neoplasms (ICD-10: C00-C97) in the US from 2003-2023. Deaths were stratified by sex and race. Proportional mortality was calculated, and statistically significant temporal trends in mortality were identified using Joinpoint regression.
Results
From 2003 to 2023, there were 13,654,631 total deaths from malignant cancer. Home deaths were the most common (40.3%) followed by medical facilities (30.4%), nursing homes (14.3%), and hospice (8.9%). In 2020, all places experienced a decrease in proportion except for home which rose 7.1%. From 2003-2023, home (+4.0%) and hospice (+10.0%) rose in frequency while medical facility (-10.9%) and nursing home (-6.8%) declined. Females died in nursing homes at a greater proportion than males (15.8% vs. 13.1%) while males died in medical facilities more frequently (32.4% vs. 28.8%). Black patients were the least likely to die at home (33.1%), 5.9% less than the next lowest (Asian/ Pacific Islander; 39.0%), while Hispanic patients were most likely (46.9%); 5.7% more than the next highest (White, 41.7%). White patients were the least likely to die in medical facilities (28.4%) but were also most likely to die in nursing homes (15.3%).
Conclusions
Hospice and home deaths have increased in frequency with home deaths spiking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disparities persist in end-of-life care across both sex and racial groups. This highlights the need to increase education and access to palliative care. Further research should elucidate cultural and racial discrepancies surrounding end-of-life treatment and preferences to provide context for these differences.
Survival Outcomes of Skin Adnexal Tumors: A National Cancer Database Analysis
Purpose
Skin adnexal tumors (SAT) include a group of benign and malignant appendageal tumors that arise from hair follicles, sebaceous glands, or sweat glands. They typically appear as small, painless bumps or nodules on the skin, and are more common in men compared to women. The 5-year overall SAT survival rate ranges from 74-90%. To better understand the differences in survival outcomes based on subtypes of SAT, the National Cancer Database (NCDB) was analyzed.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study of 11,627 patients with histologically confirmed SAT between 2004 and 2021 was conducted across 1,500 Commission on Cancer facilities located in the US and Puerto Rico. Demographic factors such as sex, age, and race were analyzed using Pearson Chi-squared tests, and survival outcomes were analyzed by Kaplan- Meier survival analysis. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Most patients with SAT were male (57.3%). The average age at diagnosis was 65.9 (SD=14.4, range 0-90). Of the patient sample, 87.2% were White, 7.6% Black, 2.5% Asian, and 2.7% other. Several subtypes disproportionately affected Black individuals, including apocrine adenocarcinoma (15.7%) and hidradenocarcinoma (13.6%). The estimated 5-year survival of SAT was 74.9% with an overall survival of 135.8 months (SE=1.1). Sebaceous carcinoma (which accounts for 41.8% of all cases) had the lowest average survival time of 119.6 months (SE=1.8), while digital papillary adenocarcinoma had the highest survival at around 183.5 months (SE=4.6).
Conclusions
This study supports a higher frequency of SAT among men. While White patients were more likely to get SAT overall, including the most common sebaceous carcinoma, Black race were associated with higher frequency of rarer subtypes. The average age of diagnosis of SAT mimics other non-melanoma skin cancers, but has a lower overall survival rate. Future studies should consider other risk factors that may be impacting the differences in survival outcomes to guide treatment and address health disparities among the various subtypes.
Purpose
Skin adnexal tumors (SAT) include a group of benign and malignant appendageal tumors that arise from hair follicles, sebaceous glands, or sweat glands. They typically appear as small, painless bumps or nodules on the skin, and are more common in men compared to women. The 5-year overall SAT survival rate ranges from 74-90%. To better understand the differences in survival outcomes based on subtypes of SAT, the National Cancer Database (NCDB) was analyzed.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study of 11,627 patients with histologically confirmed SAT between 2004 and 2021 was conducted across 1,500 Commission on Cancer facilities located in the US and Puerto Rico. Demographic factors such as sex, age, and race were analyzed using Pearson Chi-squared tests, and survival outcomes were analyzed by Kaplan- Meier survival analysis. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Most patients with SAT were male (57.3%). The average age at diagnosis was 65.9 (SD=14.4, range 0-90). Of the patient sample, 87.2% were White, 7.6% Black, 2.5% Asian, and 2.7% other. Several subtypes disproportionately affected Black individuals, including apocrine adenocarcinoma (15.7%) and hidradenocarcinoma (13.6%). The estimated 5-year survival of SAT was 74.9% with an overall survival of 135.8 months (SE=1.1). Sebaceous carcinoma (which accounts for 41.8% of all cases) had the lowest average survival time of 119.6 months (SE=1.8), while digital papillary adenocarcinoma had the highest survival at around 183.5 months (SE=4.6).
Conclusions
This study supports a higher frequency of SAT among men. While White patients were more likely to get SAT overall, including the most common sebaceous carcinoma, Black race were associated with higher frequency of rarer subtypes. The average age of diagnosis of SAT mimics other non-melanoma skin cancers, but has a lower overall survival rate. Future studies should consider other risk factors that may be impacting the differences in survival outcomes to guide treatment and address health disparities among the various subtypes.
Purpose
Skin adnexal tumors (SAT) include a group of benign and malignant appendageal tumors that arise from hair follicles, sebaceous glands, or sweat glands. They typically appear as small, painless bumps or nodules on the skin, and are more common in men compared to women. The 5-year overall SAT survival rate ranges from 74-90%. To better understand the differences in survival outcomes based on subtypes of SAT, the National Cancer Database (NCDB) was analyzed.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study of 11,627 patients with histologically confirmed SAT between 2004 and 2021 was conducted across 1,500 Commission on Cancer facilities located in the US and Puerto Rico. Demographic factors such as sex, age, and race were analyzed using Pearson Chi-squared tests, and survival outcomes were analyzed by Kaplan- Meier survival analysis. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Most patients with SAT were male (57.3%). The average age at diagnosis was 65.9 (SD=14.4, range 0-90). Of the patient sample, 87.2% were White, 7.6% Black, 2.5% Asian, and 2.7% other. Several subtypes disproportionately affected Black individuals, including apocrine adenocarcinoma (15.7%) and hidradenocarcinoma (13.6%). The estimated 5-year survival of SAT was 74.9% with an overall survival of 135.8 months (SE=1.1). Sebaceous carcinoma (which accounts for 41.8% of all cases) had the lowest average survival time of 119.6 months (SE=1.8), while digital papillary adenocarcinoma had the highest survival at around 183.5 months (SE=4.6).
Conclusions
This study supports a higher frequency of SAT among men. While White patients were more likely to get SAT overall, including the most common sebaceous carcinoma, Black race were associated with higher frequency of rarer subtypes. The average age of diagnosis of SAT mimics other non-melanoma skin cancers, but has a lower overall survival rate. Future studies should consider other risk factors that may be impacting the differences in survival outcomes to guide treatment and address health disparities among the various subtypes.
Investigating Differences in Melanoma Mortality Based on Demographic Information from 1999-2022 Using CDC Wonder
Background
Melanoma is a malignant type of skin cancer and is the fifth most common type of cancer in the United States. The purpose of this study is to determine how demographic information such as race and gender may influence mortality rates in melanoma patients. To date, no previous studies have analyzed epidemiological trends in melanoma mortality using the CDC Wonder database. However, previous literature has suggested that non-Hispanic Whites have the highest mortality rate.
Methods
CDC Wonder is a database that contains mortality and demographic information for various pathologies. Melanoma cases were specified using the ICD-10 code C43. Patients over the age of 35 were considered for this study. Mortality rates were generated based on gender, race, and a combination of both variables. Data analysis involved finding the rates and 95% confidence intervals for the crude and age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) per 100,000. Joinpoint regression analysis was also used.
Results
Several differences in the age-adjusted mortality rate were observed. In every year from 1999 to 2022, the non-Hispanic White group (NH White) had the highest mortality rate, whereas all other races had similar rates. Meanwhile, when stratifying by both race and gender, it appears that NH White males have the highest rate in mortality. In 2022, the mortality rate for NH White males was 8.8 per 100,000, whereas the second highest rate belonged to the NH White female group (4 per 100,000). All other racial and gender combinations had similar mortality rates. The trends in mortality rates did not fluctuate much from the years 1999-2022. No significant deviation in mortality trends were seen after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions
This data corroborates with the results from previous studies. It also indicates that certain demographics that may be at greater risk for mortality, and that the mortality rates have remained relatively stable. The mortality rate for melanoma may vary by race and gender. More specifically, NH White males may be susceptible to higher mortality rates compared to other demographic groups. Future research on cancer staging and treatment modality received could help explain these differences.
Background
Melanoma is a malignant type of skin cancer and is the fifth most common type of cancer in the United States. The purpose of this study is to determine how demographic information such as race and gender may influence mortality rates in melanoma patients. To date, no previous studies have analyzed epidemiological trends in melanoma mortality using the CDC Wonder database. However, previous literature has suggested that non-Hispanic Whites have the highest mortality rate.
Methods
CDC Wonder is a database that contains mortality and demographic information for various pathologies. Melanoma cases were specified using the ICD-10 code C43. Patients over the age of 35 were considered for this study. Mortality rates were generated based on gender, race, and a combination of both variables. Data analysis involved finding the rates and 95% confidence intervals for the crude and age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) per 100,000. Joinpoint regression analysis was also used.
Results
Several differences in the age-adjusted mortality rate were observed. In every year from 1999 to 2022, the non-Hispanic White group (NH White) had the highest mortality rate, whereas all other races had similar rates. Meanwhile, when stratifying by both race and gender, it appears that NH White males have the highest rate in mortality. In 2022, the mortality rate for NH White males was 8.8 per 100,000, whereas the second highest rate belonged to the NH White female group (4 per 100,000). All other racial and gender combinations had similar mortality rates. The trends in mortality rates did not fluctuate much from the years 1999-2022. No significant deviation in mortality trends were seen after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions
This data corroborates with the results from previous studies. It also indicates that certain demographics that may be at greater risk for mortality, and that the mortality rates have remained relatively stable. The mortality rate for melanoma may vary by race and gender. More specifically, NH White males may be susceptible to higher mortality rates compared to other demographic groups. Future research on cancer staging and treatment modality received could help explain these differences.
Background
Melanoma is a malignant type of skin cancer and is the fifth most common type of cancer in the United States. The purpose of this study is to determine how demographic information such as race and gender may influence mortality rates in melanoma patients. To date, no previous studies have analyzed epidemiological trends in melanoma mortality using the CDC Wonder database. However, previous literature has suggested that non-Hispanic Whites have the highest mortality rate.
Methods
CDC Wonder is a database that contains mortality and demographic information for various pathologies. Melanoma cases were specified using the ICD-10 code C43. Patients over the age of 35 were considered for this study. Mortality rates were generated based on gender, race, and a combination of both variables. Data analysis involved finding the rates and 95% confidence intervals for the crude and age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) per 100,000. Joinpoint regression analysis was also used.
Results
Several differences in the age-adjusted mortality rate were observed. In every year from 1999 to 2022, the non-Hispanic White group (NH White) had the highest mortality rate, whereas all other races had similar rates. Meanwhile, when stratifying by both race and gender, it appears that NH White males have the highest rate in mortality. In 2022, the mortality rate for NH White males was 8.8 per 100,000, whereas the second highest rate belonged to the NH White female group (4 per 100,000). All other racial and gender combinations had similar mortality rates. The trends in mortality rates did not fluctuate much from the years 1999-2022. No significant deviation in mortality trends were seen after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions
This data corroborates with the results from previous studies. It also indicates that certain demographics that may be at greater risk for mortality, and that the mortality rates have remained relatively stable. The mortality rate for melanoma may vary by race and gender. More specifically, NH White males may be susceptible to higher mortality rates compared to other demographic groups. Future research on cancer staging and treatment modality received could help explain these differences.
Changes in Age-Related Mortality in Malignant Melanoma From 1999- 2022: A CDC Wonder Study
Background
Melanoma is one of the leading causes of solid tumor cancers. This study’s objective is to analyze temporal trends in melanoma-related mortality among age groups in the US before and during COVID-19. To date, no previous studies have analyzed year-to-year trends in melanoma mortality by age group using the CDC Wonder database. A 2011 analysis previously showed increasing death rates only among those over age 65 between 1992-2006.
Methods
The CDC Wonder database was used to collect data on melanoma-related mortality rates in the US from 1999-2022. Crude mortality rates per 100,000 and annual percentage change using Joinpoint regression were used to analyze yearly trends among age groups.
Results
From 1999 to 2022, overall mortality rate fell from 2.91 to 2.07, and mortality rates among all age groups decreased with the exception of those over age 85. Age 35-44 crude mortality rate decreased from 1.42 to .7. Age 45-54 crude mortality rate decreased from 3.2 to 1.51. Age 55-64 decreased from 5.6 to 3.61. Age 65-74 decreased from 9.91 to 7.79. Age 75-84 decreased from 15.44 to 15.43. Ages 85+ increased from 21.5 to 33.1. Notably, mortality among those age 75-85 decreased by only .01, and were increased across the timespan of 2000-2020.
Conclusions
These results show that there may be differences between age groups in how mortality due to melanoma of age groups has changed from 1992-2022. While overall mortality attributed to melanoma fell during this period, mortality in those over age 85 increased. Future studies should confirm these results with different data sets and further investigate the reasons for these disparities.
Background
Melanoma is one of the leading causes of solid tumor cancers. This study’s objective is to analyze temporal trends in melanoma-related mortality among age groups in the US before and during COVID-19. To date, no previous studies have analyzed year-to-year trends in melanoma mortality by age group using the CDC Wonder database. A 2011 analysis previously showed increasing death rates only among those over age 65 between 1992-2006.
Methods
The CDC Wonder database was used to collect data on melanoma-related mortality rates in the US from 1999-2022. Crude mortality rates per 100,000 and annual percentage change using Joinpoint regression were used to analyze yearly trends among age groups.
Results
From 1999 to 2022, overall mortality rate fell from 2.91 to 2.07, and mortality rates among all age groups decreased with the exception of those over age 85. Age 35-44 crude mortality rate decreased from 1.42 to .7. Age 45-54 crude mortality rate decreased from 3.2 to 1.51. Age 55-64 decreased from 5.6 to 3.61. Age 65-74 decreased from 9.91 to 7.79. Age 75-84 decreased from 15.44 to 15.43. Ages 85+ increased from 21.5 to 33.1. Notably, mortality among those age 75-85 decreased by only .01, and were increased across the timespan of 2000-2020.
Conclusions
These results show that there may be differences between age groups in how mortality due to melanoma of age groups has changed from 1992-2022. While overall mortality attributed to melanoma fell during this period, mortality in those over age 85 increased. Future studies should confirm these results with different data sets and further investigate the reasons for these disparities.
Background
Melanoma is one of the leading causes of solid tumor cancers. This study’s objective is to analyze temporal trends in melanoma-related mortality among age groups in the US before and during COVID-19. To date, no previous studies have analyzed year-to-year trends in melanoma mortality by age group using the CDC Wonder database. A 2011 analysis previously showed increasing death rates only among those over age 65 between 1992-2006.
Methods
The CDC Wonder database was used to collect data on melanoma-related mortality rates in the US from 1999-2022. Crude mortality rates per 100,000 and annual percentage change using Joinpoint regression were used to analyze yearly trends among age groups.
Results
From 1999 to 2022, overall mortality rate fell from 2.91 to 2.07, and mortality rates among all age groups decreased with the exception of those over age 85. Age 35-44 crude mortality rate decreased from 1.42 to .7. Age 45-54 crude mortality rate decreased from 3.2 to 1.51. Age 55-64 decreased from 5.6 to 3.61. Age 65-74 decreased from 9.91 to 7.79. Age 75-84 decreased from 15.44 to 15.43. Ages 85+ increased from 21.5 to 33.1. Notably, mortality among those age 75-85 decreased by only .01, and were increased across the timespan of 2000-2020.
Conclusions
These results show that there may be differences between age groups in how mortality due to melanoma of age groups has changed from 1992-2022. While overall mortality attributed to melanoma fell during this period, mortality in those over age 85 increased. Future studies should confirm these results with different data sets and further investigate the reasons for these disparities.