Project description:Lung cancer ranks as one of the top malignancies and the leading cause of cancer death in both males and females in the US. Using a cancer database covering the entire population, this study was to determine the gender disparities in lung cancer incidence during 2001-2019. Cancer patients were obtained from the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) and Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. The SEER*Stat software was applied to calculate the age-adjusted incidence rates (AAIR). Temporal changes in lung cancer incidence were analyzed by the Joinpoint software. A total of 4,086,432 patients (53.3% of males) were diagnosed with lung cancer. Among them, 52.1% were 70 years or older, 82.7% non-Hispanic white, 39.7% from the South, and 72.6% non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The AAIR of lung cancer continuously reduced from 91.0 per 100000 to 59.2 in males during the study period, while it increased from 55.0 in 2001 to 56.8 in 2006 in females, then decreased to 48.1 in 2019. The female to male incidence rate ratio of lung cancer continuously increased from 2001 to 2019. Gender disparities were observed among age groups, races, and histological types. In those aged 0-54 years, females had higher overall incidence rates of lung cancer than males in recent years, which was observed in all races (except non-Hispanic black), all regions, and adenocarcinoma and small cell (but not squamous cell). Non-Hispanic black females aged 0-54 years had a faster decline rate than males since 2013. API females demonstrated an increased trend during the study period. Lung cancer incidence continues to decrease with gender disparities among age groups, races, regions, and histological types. Continuous anti-smoking programs plus reduction of related risk factors are necessary to lower lung cancer incidence further.
Project description:Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma that occurs worldwide. A study of BL in the US National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program during 1973 to 2005 (n = 3043) revealed three age-specific incidence peaks of BL and rates that were rising. We studied BL cases diagnosed in SEER 22 during 2000 to 2019 (n = 11 626) to investigate age-specific BL incidence rates and temporal trends. The age-standardized BL incidence rate was 3.96/million person-years, with a 2.85:1 male-to-female ratio. The BL rate among both Hispanic and White individuals was higher than in Black individuals (4.52, 4.12 vs 3.14). Age-specific BL rates showed peaks during pediatric, adult and elderly years in males and pediatric and elderly peaks in females. Based on 4524 BL cases with HIV status (SEER 13), only one peak in adult males (45 years) was observed. Overall age-standardized BL incidence rates rose 1.2%/year (not significant) up to 2009 then fell significantly by 2.4%/year thereafter. Temporal trends in BL rates during 2000 to 2019 varied with age group as pediatric BL rates rose 1.1%/year, while elderly BL rates fell 1.7%/year and adult BL rates rose 3.4%/year until 2007 before falling 3.1%/year thereafter. Overall survival from BL was 64% at 2 years, being highest in pediatric patients and lowest in Black and elderly individuals vs other subgroups. Survival improved by 20% between 2000 and 2019. Our data suggest that BL age-specific incidence rates are multimodal and that overall BL rates rose up to 2009 and then fell, suggesting changes in etiological factors or diagnosis.
Project description:ObjectiveGeographic and racial disparities may contribute to variation in the incidence and outcomes of HIV-associated cancers in the United States.MethodUsing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we analyzed Kaposi sarcoma (KS) incidence and survival by race and geographic region during the combined antiretroviral therapy era. Reported cases of KS in men from 2000 to 2013 were obtained from 17 SEER cancer registries. Overall and age-standardized KS incidence rates were calculated and stratified by race and geographic region. We evaluated incidence trends using joinpoint analyses and calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for overall and KS-specific mortality using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsOf 4,455 KS cases identified in men younger than 55 years (median age 40 years), the annual percent change (APC) for KS incidence significantly decreased for white men between 2001 and 2013 (APC -4.52, p = 0.02). The APC for AA men demonstrated a non-significant decrease from 2000-2013 (APC -1.84, p = 0.09). Among AA men in the South, however, APC has significantly increased between 2000 and 2013 (+3.0, p = 0.03). In addition, compared with white men diagnosed with KS during the same time period, AA men were also more likely to die from all causes and KS cancer-specific causes (aHR 1.52, 95% CI 1.34-1.72, aHR 1.49, 95% CI 1.30-1.72 respectively).ConclusionAlthough overall KS incidence has decreased in the U.S., geographic and racial disparities in KS incidence and survival exist.
Project description:BackgroundUnderstanding the impact of patient and tumor characteristics on lung cancer survival can help build personalized prognostic models and identify health disparities.MethodsWe identified 557 555 patients aged 25 years and older diagnosed with lung or bronchus carcinoma from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, 2000-2016. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) for demographic (sex, age, race and ethnicity), tumor (stage, histology, year of diagnosis), and geographic characteristics (census tract-level urbanicity, socioeconomic status [SES]), as well as selected interactions, on the rate of lung cancer-specific death using multivariable proportional hazards models.ResultsWomen had a higher survival (lower hazard) of lung cancer-specific death than men (HR = 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.82 to 0.83). Hazards differed by race and ethnicity. Regional (HR = 2.41, 95% CI = 2.37 to 2.44) and distant (HR = 6.61, 95% CI = 6.53 to 6.69) tumors were associated with a lower survival (higher hazard) than localized tumors. Small cell tumors were associated with a lower survival (HR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.18 to 1.20) than non-small cell tumors. Patients diagnosed after 2009 had lower hazards (HR = 0.86, 95% CI = 085 to 0.86) than those diagnosed 2000-2009. Lung cancer-specific survival did not depend on urbanicity after adjusting for census tract-level SES, but survival decreased with decreasing census tract-level SES. Differences in survival between non-Hispanic Black and White patients were greater for younger patients and localized tumors and increased with census tract-level SES. Differences by sex were greatest for young patients and localized tumors.ConclusionsDisparities in survival after lung cancer diagnosis remain, with intersectional patterns suggesting differential access to and quality of care. Efforts are needed to ensure that high-risk groups receive guideline-concordant treatment.
Project description:BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rates have been decreasing in the United States (US), but there is limited information about differences in these improvements among individuals from different racial and ethnic subgroups across different regions of the US.MethodsData from the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) databases were used to examine trends in CRC incidence from 2001 to 2020 using a population-based retrospective cohort study. We obtained annual estimates of CRC incidence and used meta-regression analyses via weighted linear models to identify main effects and interactions that explained differences in CRC incidence trends among groups defined by race/ethnicity and US region while also considering CRC stage and sex. To summarize overall trends over time in incidence rates for specific racial and ethnic groups within and across US regions, we obtained average annual percentage change (AAPC) estimates.ResultsThe greatest differences in CRC incidence trends were among groups defined by race/ethnicity and US region. Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) persons had the largest declines in CRC incidence, with AAPC estimates ranging from -2.27 (95% CI: -2.49 to -2.06) in the South to -3.03 (95% CI: -3.59 to -2.47) in the West, but had higher-than-average incidence rates at study end. The AAPC estimate for American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) persons suggested no significant change over time (AAPC: -0.41, 95% CI: -2.51 to 1.73).ConclusionCRC incidence trends differ among racial/ethnic groups residing in different US regions. Notably, CRC incidence rates have not changed noticeably for AIAN persons from 2001-2020. These findings highlight the importance of reinvigorating collaborative efforts to develop geographic and population-specific screening and preventative approaches to reduce the CRC burden experienced by Native American communities and members of other minoritized groups.
Project description:BackgroundAntifungal drugs treat a variety of conditions, ranging from localised dermatologic disease to life-threatening systemic infections. Some common antifungal drugs experienced large price increases in recent years, however, factors contributing to these price increases are poorly understood. We sought to examine trends in antifungal drug prices and determine underlying drivers of price changes.MethodsAntifungal drug products in the United States were identified using the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Label database. For each product, we determined the wholesale acquisition cost per unit over time between 2000 and 2019, adjusting for inflation, and examined variables that could impact price: route of administration, number of FDA indications, the quantity of professional guideline recommendations, use for prophylaxis, number of FDA-approved manufacturers, and whether it was compounded. Price trajectories were clustered into four groups: (1) stable, 2) moderate, (3) high, and (4) extreme price increases.ResultsOf 139 identified drug products, one outlier was removed due to exorbitant price increases. Cluster 1 (n = 31) demonstrated the most stable prices with a 25% mean price increase. Clusters 2 (n = 97), 3 (n = 7), and 4 (n = 3) demonstrated moderate, high, and extreme price increases with 52%, 318%, and 900% mean price increases, respectively. Atypical routes of administration and compounding were over-represented in clusters 3 and 4. There was no correlation between the number of manufacturers and price changes.ConclusionsAntifungal drugs exhibited large, inflation-adjusted price increases. Atypical routes of administration and compounding were over-represented within clusters exhibiting extraordinary price increases. Our data support policies aiming to curb large price increases for medically important drugs.
Project description:BackgroundOur previous research on neuroendocrine and gastric cancers has shown that patients living in rural areas have worse outcomes than urban patients. This study aimed to investigate the geographic and sociodemographic disparities in esophageal cancer patients.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study on esophageal cancer patients between 1975 and 2016 using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Both univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) between patients residing in rural (RA) and urban (MA) areas. Further, we used the National Cancer Database to understand differences in various quality of care metrics based on residence.ResultsN = 49,421 (RA [12%]; MA [88%]). The incidence and mortality rates were consistently higher during the study period in RA. Patients living in RA were more commonly males (p < 0.001), Caucasian (p < 0.001), and had adenocarcinoma (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that RA had worse OS (HR = 1.08; p < 0.01) and DSS (HR = 1.07; p < 0.01). Quality of care was similar, except RA patients were more likely to be treated at a community hospital (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur study identified geographic disparities in esophageal cancer incidence and outcomes despite the similar quality of care. Future research is needed to understand and attenuate such disparities.
Project description:Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in the United States is declining rapidly overall but, curiously, is increasing among young adults. Age-specific and birth cohort patterns can provide etiologic clues, but have not been recently examined. CRC incidence trends in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results areas from 1974 to 2013 (n = 490 305) were analyzed by five-year age group and birth cohort using incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and age-period-cohort modeling. After decreasing in the previous decade, colon cancer incidence rates increased by 1.0% to 2.4% annually since the mid-1980s in adults age 20 to 39 years and by 0.5% to 1.3% since the mid-1990s in adults age 40 to 54 years; rectal cancer incidence rates have been increasing longer and faster (eg, 3.2% annually from 1974-2013 in adults age 20-29 years). In adults age 55 years and older, incidence rates generally declined since the mid-1980s for colon cancer and since 1974 for rectal cancer. From 1989-1990 to 2012-2013, rectal cancer incidence rates in adults age 50 to 54 years went from half those in adults age 55 to 59 to equivalent (24.7 vs 24.5 per 100 000 persons: IRR = 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.92 to 1.10), and the proportion of rectal cancer diagnosed in adults younger than age 55 years doubled from 14.6% (95% CI = 14.0% to 15.2%) to 29.2% (95% CI = 28.5% to 29.9%). Age-specific relative risk by birth cohort declined from circa 1890 until 1950, but continuously increased through 1990. Consequently, compared with adults born circa 1950, those born circa 1990 have double the risk of colon cancer (IRR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.11 to 5.19) and quadruple the risk of rectal cancer (IRR = 4.32, 95% CI = 2.19 to 8.51). Age-specific CRC risk has escalated back to the level of those born circa 1890 for contemporary birth cohorts, underscoring the need for increased awareness among clinicians and the general public, as well as etiologic research to elucidate causes for the trend. Further, as nearly one-third of rectal cancer patients are younger than age 55 years, screening initiation before age 50 years should be considered.
Project description:ObjectiveTriple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a more aggressive subtype resistant to conventional treatments with a poorer prognosis. This study was to update the status of TNBC and the temporal changes of its incidence rate in the US.MethodsWomen diagnosed with breast cancer during 2011-2019 were obtained from the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) and Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program SEER*Stat Database which covers the entire population of the US. The TNBC incidence and its temporal trends by race, age, region (state) and disease stage were determined during the period.ResultsA total of 238,848 (or 8.8%) TNBC women were diagnosed during the study period. TNBC occurred disproportionally higher in women of Non-Hispanic Black, younger ages, with cancer at a distant stage or poorly/undifferentiated. The age adjusted incidence rate (AAIR) for TNBC in all races decreased from 14.8 per 100,000 in 2011 to 14.0 in 2019 (annual percentage change (APC) = -0.6, P = 0.024). Incidence rates of TNBC significantly decreased with APCs of -0.8 in Non-Hispanic White women, -1.3 in West and -0.7 in Northeastern regions. Women with TNBC at the age of 35-49, 50-59, and 60-69 years, and the disease at the regional stage displayed significantly decreased trends. Among state levels, Mississippi (20.6) and Louisiana (18.9) had the highest, while Utah (9.1) and Montana (9.6) had the lowest AAIRs in 2019. New Hampshire and Indiana had significant and highest decreases, while Louisiana and Arkansas had significant and largest increases in AAIR. In individual races, TNBC displayed disparities in temporal trends among age groups, regions and disease stages. Surprisingly, Non-Hispanic White and Hispanic TNBC women (0-34 years), and Non-Hispanic Black women (≥70 years) during the entire period, as well as Asian or Pacific Islander women in the South region had increased trends between 2011 and 2017.ConclusionOur study demonstrates an overall decreased trend of TNBC incidence in the past decade. Its incidence displayed disparities among races, age groups, regions and disease stages. Special attention is needed for a heavy burden in Non-Hispanic Black and increased trends in certain groups.
Project description:IntroductionStudies find differences in tobacco retailer density according to neighborhood sociodemographic characteristics, raising issues of social justice, but not all research is consistent.Aims and methodsThis study examined associations between tobacco retailer density and neighborhood sociodemographic characteristics in the United States at four timepoints (2000, 2007, 2012, and 2017) and investigated if associations remained stable over time. Data on tobacco retailers came from the National Establishment Time-Series Database. Adjusted log-linear models examined the relationship between retailer density and census tract sociodemographic characteristics (% non-Hispanic Black [Black], % Hispanic, % vacant housing units, median household income), controlling for percentage of youth, urbanicity, and US region. To examine whether the relationship between density and sociodemographic characteristics changed over time, additional models were estimated with interaction terms between each sociodemographic characteristic and year.ResultsTobacco retailer density ranged from 1.22 to 1.44 retailers/1000 persons from 2000 to 2017. There were significant, positive relationships between tobacco retailer density and the percentage of Black (standardized exp(b) = 1.05 [95% CI: 1.04% to 1.07%]) and Hispanic (standardized exp(b) = 1.06 [95% CI: 1.05% to 1.08%]) residents and the percentage of vacant housing units (standardized exp(b) =1.08 [95% CI: 1.07% to 1.10%]) in a census tract. Retailer density was negatively associated with income (standardized exp(b) = 0.84 [95% CI: 0.82% to 0.86%]). From 2000 to 2017, the relationship between retailer density and income and vacant housing units became weaker.ConclusionsDespite the weakening of some associations, there are sociodemographic disparities in tobacco retailer density from 2000 to 2017, which research has shown may contribute to inequities in smoking.ImplicationsThis study examines associations between tobacco retailer density and neighborhood sociodemographic characteristics in the United States at four timepoints from 2000 to 2017. Although some associations weakened, there are sociodemographic disparities in tobacco retailer density over the study period. Research suggests that sociodemographic disparities in retailer density may contribute to inequities in smoking. Findings from this study may help identify which communities should be prioritized for policy intervention and regulation.