Trends in Uterine Cancer Mortality in the United States

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To analyze mortality trends in uterine cancer in the United States over 50 years with an emphasis on age and race and ethnicity. METHODS: Data on uterine cancer deaths from 1969 to 2018 were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. Trends were examined by age and race and ethnicity after adjustment for the hysterectomy rate and pregnancy. RESULTS: Uterine cancer mortality decreased between 1969 and 1997 (from 6.03 to 4.00/100,000) but increased between 1997 and 2018 (from 4.00 to 5.02/100,000). From 2001 to 2018, mortality rates increased by 1.25-fold across all age groups. In 2018, the mortality rate from uterine cancer for patients aged 70 years or older and 60–69 years was sixfold and threefold higher, respectively, than in younger patients (aged 50–59 years) (54.87/100,000 vs 27.80/100,000 vs 8.70/100,000). The mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 2.2-fold higher than for non-Hispanic White, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander women (17.6/100,000 vs 7.82/100,000, 6.54/100,000, and 4.24/100,000, respectively). On an intersection analysis of age and race, non-Hispanic Black women aged older than 60 years had a threefold higher mortality rate than non-Hispanic White women (72/100,000 vs 24/100,000). A notable finding was that young non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women (30–39 years) had the highest annual increases in mortality at 3.3% and 3.8% per year compared with 2.2% in non-Hispanic White women. CONCLUSION: Since 2001, the uterine cancer mortality rate has increased across all four racial and ethnic groups examined, with the highest increase seen among non-Hispanic Black women. The largest increase in mortality was observed among younger non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women.

Trends in gynecological cancer incidence, mortality, and survival among elderly women: A SEER study

“…The racial distribution further elucidates the diverse demographic representation within the study, shedding light on disparities that may influence cancer‐related outcomes. According to Somasegar et al., 6 uterine cancer mortality rates have risen since 2001 across all racial and ethnic groups, with the most substantial increase observed among younger non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic women. A study by Cooley et al.…”

“…A recent study in the United States by Somasegar et al. 6 analyzed uterine cancer mortality trends over a 50‐year period, emphasizing age and race. They observed a sixfold higher uterine cancer mortality rate for patients aged 70 years or older compared to those aged 50 to 59 years.…”

Trends in Uterine Cancer Mortality in the United States: A 50-Year Population-Based Analysis

“…We appreciated the analysis and discussion of the intersectional reasons for the rise in uterine cancer mortality by Somasegar et al 1 in the October 2023 issue. Although declining hysterectomy rates were mentioned as a factor contributing to the rise in uterine cancer mortality, we suggest that they have stronger effects than indicated.…”

In Reply:

“…We appreciate the insightful comments from our colleagues at Virginia Commonwealth University on our study in the October 2023 issue. 1 Although it is possible that 1) the declining hysterectomy rate may have contributed to the rise in uterine cancer mortality and 2) a lower threshold for hysterectomy for benign disease should be considered to address this increase, we need to carefully consider the consequences of this approach.…”