Lung cancer survival in the United States by race and stage (2001-2009): Findings from the CONCORD-2 study

BACKGROUND

Results from the second CONCORD study (CONCORD-2) indicated that 5-year net survival for lung cancer was low (range, 10%-20%) between 1995 and 2009 in most countries, including the United States, which was at the higher end of this range.

METHODS

Data from CONCORD-2 were used to analyze net survival among patients with lung cancer (aged 15-99 years) who were diagnosed in 37 states covering 80% of the US population. Survival was corrected for background mortality using state-specific and race-specific life tables and age-standardized using International Cancer Survival Standard weights. Net survival was estimated for patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2003 and between 2004 and 2009 at 1, 3, and 5 years after diagnosis by race (all races, black, and white); Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Summary Stage 2000; and US state.

RESULTS

Five-year net survival increased from 16.4% (95% confidence interval, 16.3%-16.5%) for patients diagnosed 2001-2003 to 19.0% (18.8%-19.1%) for those diagnosed 2004-2009, with increases in most states and among both blacks and whites. Between 2004 and 2009, 5-year survival was lower among blacks (14.9%) than among whites (19.4%) and ranged by state from 14.5% to 25.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung cancer survival improved slightly between the periods 2001-2003 and 2004-2009 but was still low, with variation between states, and persistently lower survival among blacks than whites. Efforts to control well established risk factors would be expected to have the greatest impact on reducing the burden of lung cancer, and efforts to ensure that all patients receive timely and appropriate treatment should reduce the differences in survival by race and state. Cancer 2017;123:5079-99. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Five-year relative survival for human papillomavirus-associated cancer sites

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines can potentially prevent greater than 90% of cervical and anal cancers as well as a substantial proportion of vulvar, vaginal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers caused by certain HPV types. Because more than 38,000 HPV-associated cancers are diagnosed annually in the United States, current studies are needed to understand how relative survival varies for each of these cancers by certain demographic characteristics, such as race and age.

METHODS

The authors examined high-quality data from 27 population-based cancer registries covering approximately 59% of the US population. The analyses were limited to invasive cancers that were diagnosed during 2001 through 2011 and followed through 2011 and met specified histologic criteria for HPV-associated cancers. Five-year relative survival was calculated from diagnosis until death for these cancers by age, race, and sex.

RESULTS

The 5-year age-standardized relative survival rate was 64.2% for cervical carcinomas, 52.8% for vaginal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), 66% for vulvar SCCs, 47.4% for penile SCCs, 65.9% for anal SCCs, 56.2% for rectal SCCs, and 51.2% for oropharyngeal SCCs. Five-year relative survival was consistently higher among white patients compared with black patients for all HPV-associated cancers across all age groups; the greatest differences by race were observed for oropharyngeal SCCs among those aged <60 years and for penile SCCs among those ages 40 to 49 years compared with other age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There are large disparities in relative survival among patients with HPV-associated cancers by sex, race, and age. HPV vaccination and improved access to screening (of cancers for which screening tests are available) and treatment, especially among groups that experience higher incidence and lower survival, may reduce disparities in survival from HPV-associated cancers. Cancer 2018;124:203-211. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Vital Signs: Trends in Incidence of Cancers Associated with Overweight and Obesity - United States, 2005-2014

Background

Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk of at least 13 different types of cancer.

Methods

Data from the United States Cancer Statistics for 2014 were used to assess incidence rates, and data from 2005 to 2014 were used to assess trends for cancers associated with overweight and obesity (adenocarcinoma of the esophagus; cancers of the breast [in postmenopausal women], colon and rectum, endometrium, gallbladder, gastric cardia, kidney, liver, ovary, pancreas, and thyroid; meningioma; and multiple myeloma) by sex, age, race/ethnicity, state, geographic region, and cancer site. Because screening for colorectal cancer can reduce colorectal cancer incidence through detection of precancerous polyps before they become cancerous, trends with and without colorectal cancer were analyzed.

Results

In 2014, approximately 631,000 persons in the United States received a diagnosis of a cancer associated with overweight and obesity, representing 40% of all cancers diagnosed. Overweight- and obesity-related cancer incidence rates were higher among older persons (ages ≥50 years) than younger persons; higher among females than males; and higher among non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white adults compared with other groups. Incidence rates for overweight- and obesity-related cancers during 2005–2014 varied by age, cancer site, and state. Excluding colorectal cancer, incidence rates increased significantly among persons aged 20–74 years; decreased among those aged ≥75 years; increased in 32 states; and were stable in 16 states and the District of Columbia.

Conclusions

The burden of overweight- and obesity-related cancer is high in the United States. Incidence rates of overweight- and obesity-related cancers except colorectal cancer have increased in some age groups and states.

Implications for Public Health Practice

The burden of overweight- and obesity-related cancers might be reduced through efforts to prevent and control overweight and obesity. Comprehensive cancer control strategies, including use of evidence-based interventions to promote healthy weight, could help decrease the incidence of these cancers in the United States.

Alcohol Screening and Brief Intervention: A Potential Role in Cancer Prevention for Young Adults

Excessive or risky alcohol use is a preventable cause of significant morbidity and mortality in the U.S. and worldwide. Alcohol use is a common preventable cancer risk factor among young adults; it is associated with increased risk of developing at least six types of cancer. Alcohol consumed during early adulthood may pose a higher risk of female breast cancer than alcohol consumed later in life. Reducing alcohol use may help prevent cancer. Alcohol misuse screening and brief counseling or intervention (also called alcohol screening and brief intervention among other designations) is known to reduce excessive alcohol use, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that it be implemented for all adults aged ≥18 years in primary healthcare settings. Because the prevalence of excessive alcohol use, particularly binge drinking, peaks among young adults, this time of life may present a unique window of opportunity to talk about the cancer risk associated with alcohol use and how to reduce that risk by reducing excessive drinking or misuse. This article briefly describes alcohol screening and brief intervention, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended approach, and suggests a role for it in the context of cancer prevention. The article also briefly discusses how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working to make alcohol screening and brief intervention a routine element of health care in all primary care settings to identify and help young adults who drink too much.

Invasive Cancer Incidence, 2004-2013, and Deaths, 2006-2015, in Nonmetropolitan and Metropolitan Counties - United States

Problem/Condition

Previous reports have shown that persons living in nonmetropolitan (rural or urban) areas in the United States have higher death rates from all cancers combined than persons living in metropolitan areas. Disparities might vary by cancer type and between occurrence and death from the disease. This report provides a comprehensive assessment of cancer incidence and deaths by cancer type in nonmetropolitan and metropolitan counties.

Reporting Period

2004–2015.

Description of System

Cancer incidence data from CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program were used to calculate average annual age-adjusted incidence rates for 2009–2013 and trends in annual age-adjusted incidence rates for 2004–2013. Cancer mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System were used to calculate average annual age-adjusted death rates for 2011–2015 and trends in annual age-adjusted death rates for 2006–2015. For 5-year average annual rates, counties were classified into four categories (nonmetropolitan rural, nonmetropolitan urban, metropolitan with population <1 million, and metropolitan with population ≥1 million). For the trend analysis, which used annual rates, these categories were combined into two categories (nonmetropolitan and metropolitan). Rates by county classification were examined by sex, age, race/ethnicity, U.S. census region, and cancer site. Trends in rates were examined by county classification and cancer site.

Results

During the most recent 5-year period for which data were available, nonmetropolitan rural areas had lower average annual age-adjusted cancer incidence rates for all anatomic cancer sites combined but higher death rates than metropolitan areas. During 2006–2015, the annual age-adjusted death rates for all cancer sites combined decreased at a slower pace in nonmetropolitan areas (-1.0% per year) than in metropolitan areas (-1.6% per year), increasing the differences in these rates. In contrast, annual age-adjusted incidence rates for all cancer sites combined decreased approximately 1% per year during 2004–2013 both in nonmetropolitan and metropolitan counties.

Interpretation

This report provides the first comprehensive description of cancer incidence and mortality in nonmetropolitan and metropolitan counties in the United States. Nonmetropolitan rural counties had higher incidence of and deaths from several cancers related to tobacco use and cancers that can be prevented by screening. Differences between nonmetropolitan and metropolitan counties in cancer incidence might reflect differences in risk factors such as cigarette smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity, whereas differences in cancer death rates might reflect disparities in access to health care and timely diagnosis and treatment.

Public Health Action

Many cancer cases and deaths could be prevented, and public health programs can use evidence-based strategies from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) to support cancer prevention and control. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends population-based screening for colorectal, female breast, and cervical cancers among adults at average risk for these cancers and for lung cancer among adults at high risk; screening adults for tobacco use and excessive alcohol use, offering counseling and interventions as needed; and using low-dose aspirin to prevent colorectal cancer among adults considered to be at high risk for cardiovascular disease based on specific criteria. ACIP recommends vaccination against cancer-related infectious diseases including human papillomavirus and hepatitis B virus. The Guide to Community Preventive Services describes program and policy interventions proven to increase cancer screening and vaccination rates and to prevent tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, obesity, and physical inactivity.

Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2014, Featuring Survival

Background: The American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) collaborate to provide annual updates on cancer occurrence and trends in the United States. This Annual Report highlights survival rates. Methods: Data were from the CDC- and NCI-funded population-based cancer registry programs and compiled by NAACCR. Trends in age-standardized incidence and death rates for all cancers combined and for the leading cancer types by sex were estimated by joinpoint analysis and expressed as annual percent change. We used relative survival ratios and adjusted relative risk of death after a diagnosis of cancer (hazard ratios [HRs]) using Cox regression model to examine changes or differences in survival over time and by sociodemographic factors.

Results: Overall cancer death rates from 2010 to 2014 decreased by 1.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = –1.8 to –1.8) per year in men, by 1.4% (95% CI = –1.4 to –1.3) per year in women, and by 1.6% (95% CI = –2.0 to –1.3) per year in children. Death rates decreased for 11 of the 16 most common cancer types in men and for 13 of the 18 most common cancer types in women, including lung, colorectal, female breast, and prostate, whereas death rates increased for liver (men and women), pancreas (men), brain (men), and uterine cancers. In contrast, overall incidence rates from 2009 to 2013 decreased by 2.3% (95% CI = –3.1 to –1.4) per year in men but stabilized in women. For several but not all cancer types, survival statistically significantly improved over time for both early and late-stage diseases. Between 1975 and 1977, and 2006 and 2012, for example, five-year relative survival for distant-stage disease statistically significantly increased from 18.7% (95% CI = 16.9% to 20.6%) to 33.6% (95% CI = 32.2% to 35.0%) for female breast cancer but not for liver cancer (from 1.1%, 95% CI = 0.3% to 2.9%, to 2.3%, 95% CI = 1.6% to 3.2%). Survival varied by race/ethnicity and state. For example, the adjusted relative risk of death for all cancers combined was 33% (HR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.32 to 1.34) higher in non-Hispanic blacks and 51% (HR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.46 to 1.56) higher in non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native compared with non-Hispanic whites.

Conclusions: Cancer death rates continue to decrease in the United States. However, progress in reducing death rates and improving survival is limited for several cancer types, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to discover new strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment and to apply proven preventive measures broadly and equitably.

Years of Life and Productivity Loss from Potentially Avoidable Colorectal Cancer Deaths in U.S. Counties with Lower Educational Attainment (2008-2012)

Background: Educational attainment (EA) is inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk. Colorectal cancer screening can save lives if precancerous polyps or early cancers are found and successfully treated. This study aims to estimate the potential productivity loss (PPL) and associated avoidable colorectal cancer-related deaths among screen-eligible adults residing in lower EA counties in the United States.Methods: Mortality and population data were used to examine colorectal cancer deaths (2008-2012) among adults aged 50 to 74 years in lower EA counties, and to estimate the expected number of deaths using the mortality experience from high EA counties. Excess deaths (observed-expected) were used to estimate potential years life lost, and the human capital method was used to estimate PPL in 2012 U.S. dollars.Results: County-level colorectal cancer death rates were inversely associated with county-level EA. Of the 100,857 colorectal cancer deaths in lower EA counties, we estimated that more than 21,000 (1 in 5) was potentially avoidable and resulted in nearly $2 billion annual productivity loss.Conclusions: County-level EA disparities contribute to a large number of potentially avoidable colorectal cancer-related deaths. Increased prevention and improved screening potentially could decrease deaths and help reduce the associated economic burden in lower EA communities. Increased screening could further reduce deaths in all EA groups.Impact: These results estimate the large economic impact of potentially avoidable colorectal cancer-related deaths in economically disadvantaged communities, as measured by lower EA. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(5); 736-42. ©2016 AACR.

Abstract B29: Trends in racial disparities in five-year net survival for lung cancer, United States, 2001-2009

Background: Net survival adjusts for age and other causes of death (background mortality).The CONCORD-2 study reported net survival data on cancer patients in 67 countries, including the United States. The purpose of this analysis is to describe lung cancer net survival by race and stage among 37 participating states covering approximately 80% of the US population.

Methods: We focused on adults (15-99 years) diagnosed 2001-09 with an invasive, primary cancer of the lung and bronchus (International Classification of Disease Oncology 3rd edition topography codes: C34.0-C34.3; C34.8-C34.9) and followed up to 31 December 2009. We categorized stage at diagnosis using Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Summary Stage (SS) 2000. We analyzed two calendar periods (2001-03 and 2004-09) because of changes in the way summary stage data was collected during these time periods in the United States. We estimated the percent five-year net survival with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using the cohort approach for patients diagnosed in 2001-03 and the complete approach for patients diagnosed during 2004-09. We utilized bar-charts and funnel plots to graphically present trends, geographic variations, and differences in survival by race between 2001-03 and 2004-09.

Results: Our study included 1,404,724 invasive, primary lung cancers. US five-year net survival for all races increased from 16.4% (95% CI: 16.3%-16.5%) in 2001-03 to 19.0% (95% CI: 18.8%-19.1%) in 2004-09. Between the two calendar periods, most states also showed a small increase in five-year net survival for lung cancer. The increase was more than 2.6% (the US increase) in most states in the Northeast, but less than 2.6% in many states in the South, Midwest, and West. During 2004-09, blacks had lower percent five-year net survival than whites for the following stage categories: all stages [blacks (14.9%; 95% CI: 14.5%-15.2%) versus whites (19.4%; 95% CI: 19.2%-19.5%)]; localized [blacks (45.9%; 95% CI: 44.4%-47.4%) versus whites (55.8%; 95% CI: 55.3%-56.2%)]; regional [blacks (22.0%; 95% CI: 21.0%-23.0%) versus whites (26.7%; 95% CI: 26.4%-27.0%); and unknown [blacks (11.0%; 95% CI: 10.0%-12.1%) versus whites (14.0%; 95% CI: 13.5%-14.5%)]. Blacks and whites had similar percent five-year net survival for distant stage [blacks (4.4%; 95% CI: 4.1%-4.7%) versus whites (4.7%; 95% CI: 4.6%-4.8%).

Conclusions: Lung cancer net survival is lower in blacks than in whites. Although the US overall and many states showed a small increase in the percent net survival from 2001-03 to 2004-09, the five-year net survival for lung cancer 2004-09 is much lower than for other common cancers. Only 46% of black patients and 56% of white patients diagnosed with local stage lung cancer survive five years.

Citation Format: Thomas B. Richards, S Jane Henley, Mary C. Puckett, Hannah K. Weir, Bin Huang, Thomas C. Tucker. Trends in racial disparities in five-year net survival for lung cancer, United States, 2001-2009. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B29.

Abstract PR06: Racial-ethnic disparities in receipt of anatomic pulmonary resection in non-small cell lung cancer, SEER Medicare, 2000-2011

Purpose: Anatomic pulmonary resection includes surgical procedures such as pneumonectomy, lobectomy, and segmentectomy, in contrast to non-anatomic pulmonary surgical procedures such as wedge resection. National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) indicate that anatomic pulmonary resection is preferred when surgery is indicated. The purpose of the current study is to describe racial-ethnic disparities in the receipt of anatomic pulmonary resection among NSCLC patients.

Methods: We analyzed Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) patients linked with Medicare claims, first diagnosed in 2000-2011. We required patients to have NSCLC as their first malignancy and covered by fee-for-service with continuous Part A and B Medicare from 12 months before to 4 months after first diagnosis. We categorized stage using American Joint Committee on Cancer 6th Edition. We excluded patients who were age ≤65 years; diagnosed at occult stage or stage 0; diagnosed at death; had unknown race, census tract poverty, urban-rural status, month of diagnosis, or month of death; or were enrolled in a health maintenance organization at any time from 12 months before to 4 months after diagnosis. We used SEER race to classify cases as: non-Hispanic whites; non-Hispanic blacks; Hispanics of white or black race (hereafter referred to as Hispanics), and Asian or Pacific Islanders. We reserved cases with American Indian or Alaska Native race for a future, separate analysis because numbers were smaller compared to other racial-ethnic groups. We defined anatomic pulmonary resection to include pneumonectomy, lobectomy, and segmentectomy. We identified receipt of anatomic pulmonary resection from the month of diagnosis to 4 months after first NSCLC diagnosis using Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System and International Classification of Disease 9th edition Clinical Modification codes. We used multiple variable logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for receipt of anatomic pulmonary resection by males, and separately by females, adjusting for age at diagnosis, racial-ethnic group, mediastinal exploration, stage, histology, census tract poverty, SEER region, year of diagnosis, and comorbidity.

Results: Our study cohort included 99,766 NSCLC cases, with similar proportions of males (51.2%) and females (48.8%). Overall, 23.2% (n=23,105) received anatomic pulmonary resection, but receipt varied by racial-ethnic group. Compared to non-Hispanic black men, anatomic resection procedures were more commonly received by men who were non-Hispanic white (aOR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.70-2.19), Hispanic (aOR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.49-2.22), or Asian or Pacific Islander (aOR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.71-2.49). Compared to non-Hispanic black females, anatomic resection procedures also were more commonly received by females who were non-Hispanic white (aOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.23-1.57), Hispanic (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.20-1.79) or Asian or Pacific Islander (aOR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.16-1.73).

Conclusions: Non-Hispanic black men diagnosed with NSCLC from 2000-2011 were less likely to receive anatomic pulmonary resection than non-Hispanic white, Hispanic, or Asian or Pacific Islander men. Non-Hispanic black females also were less likely to receive anatomic pulmonary resection, but the differences in aORs by race were smaller among females than among males.

Citation Format: Thomas B. Richards, Serban Negoita, Timothy S. McNeel, Dylan L. Holt, Marie Topor, S Jane Henley, Arica White, Jun Li, Chunyu Li. Racial-ethnic disparities in receipt of anatomic pulmonary resection in non-small cell lung cancer, SEER Medicare, 2000-2011. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr PR06.

Invasive Cancer Incidence and Survival - United States, 2013

Although cancer represents many heterogeneous diseases, some cancer types share common risk factors. For example, conclusive evidence links cancer at multiple sites with tobacco use, alcohol use, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, excess body weight, and physical inactivity (1,2). To monitor changes in cancer incidence and assess progress toward achieving Healthy People 2020 objectives,* CDC analyzed data from the U.S. Cancer Statistics (USCS) data set for 2013, the most recent year for which incidence and survival data are available. In 2013, a total of 1,559,130 invasive cancers were reported to cancer registries in the United States (excluding Nevada), for an annual age-adjusted incidence rate of 439 cases per 100,000 persons. Cancer incidence rates were higher among males (479) than females (413), highest among blacks (444), and ranged by state from 364 (New Mexico) to 512 (Kentucky) per 100,000 persons (359 in Puerto Rico). The proportion of persons with cancer who survived ≥5 years after diagnosis was 67%. This proportion was the same for males and females (67%), but lower among blacks (62%) than among whites (67%). Cancer surveillance data are key to cancer epidemiologic and clinical outcomes research, program planning and monitoring, resource allocation, and state and federal appropriations accountability.

Vital Signs: Disparities in Tobacco-Related Cancer Incidence and Mortality - United States, 2004-2013

BACKGROUND

Tobacco use causes at least 12 types of cancer and is the leading preventable cause of cancer.

METHODS

Data from the United States Cancer Statistics dataset for 2004-2013 were used to assess incidence and death rates and trends for cancers that can be caused by tobacco use (tobacco-related cancers: oral cavity and pharynx; esophagus; stomach; colon and rectum; liver; pancreas; larynx; lung, bronchus, and trachea; kidney and renal pelvis; urinary bladder; cervix; and acute myeloid leukemia) by sex, age, race, ethnicity, state, county-level poverty and educational attainment, and cancer site.

RESULTS

Each year during 2009-2013, on average, 660,000 persons in the United States received a diagnosis of a tobacco-related cancer, and 343,000 persons died from these cancers. Tobacco-related cancer incidence and death rates were higher among men than women; highest among black men and women; higher in counties with low proportion of college graduates or high level of poverty; lowest in the West; and differed two-fold among states. During 2004-2013, incidence of tobacco-related cancer decreased 1.3% per year and mortality decreased 1.6% per year, with decreases observed across most groups, but not at the same rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Tobacco-related cancer declined during 2004-2013. However, the burden remains high, and disparities persist among certain groups with higher rates or slower declines in rates.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE

The burden of tobacco-related cancers can be reduced through efforts to prevent and control tobacco use and other comprehensive cancer control efforts focused on reducing cancer risk, detecting cancer early, improving cancer treatments, helping more persons survive cancer, improving cancer survivors' quality of life, and better assisting communities disproportionately impacted by cancer.

Patterns and Trends in Age-Specific Black-White Differences in Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality - United States, 1999-2014

Breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among U.S. women (1). Compared with white women, black women historically have had lower rates of breast cancer incidence and, beginning in the 1980s, higher death rates (1). This report examines age-specific black-white disparities in breast cancer incidence during 1999-2013 and mortality during 2000-2014 in the United States using data from United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) (2). Overall rates of breast cancer incidence were similar, but death rates remained higher for black women compared with white women. During 1999-2013, breast cancer incidence decreased among white women but increased slightly among black women resulting in a similar average incidence at the end of the period. Breast cancer incidence trends differed by race and age, particularly from 1999 to 2004-2005, when rates decreased only among white women aged ≥50 years. Breast cancer death rates decreased significantly during 2000-2014, regardless of age with patterns varying by race. For women aged ≥50 years, death rates declined significantly faster among white women compared with black women; among women aged <50 years, breast cancer death rates decreased at the same rate among black and white women. Although some of molecular factors that lead to more aggressive breast cancer are known, a fuller understanding of the exact mechanisms might lead to more tailored interventions that could decrease mortality disparities. When combined with population-based approaches to increase knowledge of family history of cancer, increase physical activity, promote a healthy diet to maintain a healthy bodyweight, and increase screening for breast cancer, targeted treatment interventions could reduce racial disparities in breast cancer.

Surveillance for Cancer Incidence and Mortality - United States, 2012

This report provides, in tabular and graphic form, official federal statistics on the occurrence of cancer for 2012 and trends for 1999-2012 as reported by CDC and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) (1). Cancer incidence data are from population-based cancer registries that participate in CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) and NCI's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program reported as of November 2014. Cancer mortality data are from death certificate information reported to state vital statistics offices through 2012 and compiled into a national file for the entire United States by CDC's National Center for Health Statistics' (NCHS) National Vital Statistics System (NVSS). This report is a part of the Summary of Notifiable Noninfectious Conditions and Disease Outbreaks - United States, which encompasses various surveillance years but is being published in 2016 (2). The Summary of Notifiable Noninfectious Conditions and Disease Outbreaks appears in the same volume of MMWR as the annual Summary of Notifiable Infectious Diseases (3).

Human Papillomavirus-Associated Cancers - United States, 2008-2012

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known cause of cervical cancers, as well as some vulvar, vaginal, penile, oropharyngeal, anal, and rectal cancers (1,2). Although most HPV infections are asymptomatic and clear spontaneously, persistent infections with one of 13 oncogenic HPV types can progress to precancer or cancer. To assess the incidence of HPV-associated cancers, CDC analyzed 2008-2012 high-quality data from the CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. During 2008-2012, an average of 38,793 HPV-associated cancers were diagnosed annually, including 23,000 (59%) among females and 15,793 (41%) among males. By multiplying these counts by the percentages attributable to HPV (3), CDC estimated that approximately 30,700 new cancers were attributable to HPV, including 19,200 among females and 11,600 among males. Cervical precancers can be detected through screening, and treatment can prevent progression to cancer; HPV vaccination can prevent infection with HPV types that cause cancer at cervical and other sites (3). Vaccines are available for HPV types 16 and 18, which cause 63% of all HPV-associated cancers in the United States, and for HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, which cause an additional 10% (3). Among the oncogenic HPV types, HPV 16 is the most likely to both persist and to progress to cancer (3). The impact of these primary and secondary prevention interventions can be monitored using surveillance data from population-based cancer registries.

Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2012, featuring the increasing incidence of liver cancer

BACKGROUND

Annual updates on cancer occurrence and trends in the United States are provided through an ongoing collaboration among the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR). This annual report highlights the increasing burden of liver and intrahepatic bile duct (liver) cancers.

METHODS

Cancer incidence data were obtained from the CDC, NCI, and NAACCR; data about cancer deaths were obtained from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Annual percent changes in incidence and death rates (age-adjusted to the 2000 US Standard Population) for all cancers combined and for the leading cancers among men and women were estimated by joinpoint analysis of long-term trends (incidence for 1992-2012 and mortality for 1975-2012) and short-term trends (2008-2012). In-depth analysis of liver cancer incidence included an age-period-cohort analysis and an incidence-based estimation of person-years of life lost because of the disease. By using NCHS multiple causes of death data, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and liver cancer-associated death rates were examined from 1999 through 2013.

RESULTS

Among men and women of all major racial and ethnic groups, death rates continued to decline for all cancers combined and for most cancer sites; the overall cancer death rate (for both sexes combined) decreased by 1.5% per year from 2003 to 2012. Overall, incidence rates decreased among men and remained stable among women from 2003 to 2012. Among both men and women, deaths from liver cancer increased at the highest rate of all cancer sites, and liver cancer incidence rates increased sharply, second only to thyroid cancer. Men had more than twice the incidence rate of liver cancer than women, and rates increased with age for both sexes. Among non-Hispanic (NH) white, NH black, and Hispanic men and women, liver cancer incidence rates were higher for persons born after the 1938 to 1947 birth cohort. In contrast, there was a minimal birth cohort effect for NH Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs). NH black men and Hispanic men had the lowest median age at death (60 and 62 years, respectively) and the highest average person-years of life lost per death (21 and 20 years, respectively) from liver cancer. HCV and liver cancer-associated death rates were highest among decedents who were born during 1945 through 1965.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, cancer incidence and mortality declined among men; and, although cancer incidence was stable among women, mortality declined. The burden of liver cancer is growing and is not equally distributed throughout the population. Efforts to vaccinate populations that are vulnerable to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and to identify and treat those living with HCV or HBV infection, metabolic conditions, alcoholic liver disease, or other causes of cirrhosis can be effective in reducing the incidence and mortality of liver cancer. Cancer 2016;122:1312-1337. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Abstract B44: Adjusted American Joint Committee on Cancer 6th edition stage for analysis of trends in black-white disparities in non-small cell lung cancer, SEER Medicare, 2000-2011

Purpose: Analyses of racial disparities in survival and treatment trends may be confounded by changes over time in cancer staging systems. For Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data linked with Medicare claims, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is available with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 3rd edition stage from 2000–2003, and with AJCC 6th edition (AJCC6) stage from 2004–2011. We wanted to maximize the number of years that AJCC6 stage was available for analysis of trends. In this study, we describe the results of our methods to assign all NSCLC cases from 2000–2011 with stage group equivalent to AJCC6, and our assessment of black-white differences by stage and year following the stage reclassification.

Methods: We focused on SEER-Medicare linked NSCLS cases, diagnosed 2000–2011, enrolled in Medicare during the month of diagnosis, and with SEER race coded as white or black. We used SEER Extent of Disease 1988 (10 digit) codes to assign AJCC6 to cases diagnosed 2000–2003, Collaborative Stage version 1 to assign AJCC6 to cases diagnosed 2004–2009, and Collaborative Stage version 2 to assign AJCC6 to cases diagnosed 2010–2011. To evaluate our adjusted AJCC6, we calculated the percentage point (pp) differences in the proportions of cases by stage and race between 2003 and 2004, and also for the 2000–2003, 2004–2009, and 2010–2011 sub-cohorts. In addition, we used SEER Joinpoint regression analysis to calculate annual percentage change (APC) by stage and race, including coincident and parallel pairwise comparisons by race. We defined statistical significance as p&lt;0.05.

Results: Our final study cohort included 156,125 white and 16,594 black NSCLC cases. Overall from 2000 to 2011, the proportion of cases by stage was: IA (12.4%), IB (11.8%), IIA (1.2%), IIB (4.5%), IIIA (9.9%), IIIB (18.0%), and IV (41.0%); the remaining 1.2% were categorized Occult Carcinoma or Stage 0. The mean difference in proportions for stages I to IV between 2003 and 2004 was 0.3 pp, but the difference by specific stage varied up to 4.1 pp. The proportion Stage IA was higher in whites than in blacks (3.1 pp in 2000–2003; 3.7 pp in 2004–2009; and 3.5 pp in 2010–2011). The proportion Stage IV was higher in blacks than in whites (2.6 pp in 2000–2003; 3.2 pp in 2004–2009; and 3.5 pp in 2010–2011). Differences in proportions between whites and blacks for Stage IIA, IIB, and Stage IIIA were less than 1 pp for each of the three time periods. Proportions by stage for whites were greater than those for blacks for Stage IA to Stage IIB, and proportions by stage for blacks exceeded those for whites for Stage IIIB and Stage IV. The predicted proportions of white and black cases diagnosed at Stage IIIA were statistically identical. Significant changes in APCs were present among whites in Stage IA (at 2004), Stage IB (at 2006 and 2009), and Stage IV (at 2004). No statistically significant changes in APCs were detected among blacks.

Conclusion: Our methods to reclassify NSCLC cases according to AJCC6 appear reasonable to support analyses that require cancer stage and race of all cohort patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2011. Some year-to-year differences are present, but they appear at most 4.1 pp between 2003 and 2004. Following the stage reclassification, our results suggest that whites were more likely to be diagnosed at a favorable stage (IA, IB, IIA, and IIB) compared with blacks, while blacks were more likely to be diagnosed at a less favorable stage (IIIB and IV) compared with whites.

Citation Format: Thomas B. Richards, Serban Negoita, Timothy S. McNeel, Dylan L. Holt, Marie Topor, S Jane Henley, Arica White, Jun Li, Chunyu Li. Adjusted American Joint Committee on Cancer 6th edition stage for analysis of trends in black-white disparities in non-small cell lung cancer, SEER Medicare, 2000-2011. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B44.

Abstract B63: Disparities in lung cancer incidence rates and trends by histologic type in the United States, 2004-2009

Objective: Surveillance of lung cancer by histology type is important for monitoring population trends that have implication for etiology and prevention, clinical diagnosis, prognosis and choice of targeted therapies. This study provides a comprehensive and recent description of disparities in histologic lung cancer incidence rates and trends for U.S. adults.

Methods: Histologic lung cancer incidence was analyzed from CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) and the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program. Standardized rates and trends were calculated for men and women by age, race/ethnicity, and U.S. Census region. Rate ratios were examined for differences in rates between men and women, and annual percent change was calculated to quantify changes in incidence rates over time.

Results: Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were the two most common histologic subtypes. Adenocarcinoma rates continued to increase in men and women, and squamous cell rates increased in women only. All histologic subtype rates for white women exceeded rates for black women, and histologic rates for black men exceeded those for white men, except for small cell carcinoma where rates were higher among white men. Among both men and women, the rate for Hispanics was nearly half the rate for non-Hispanic (NH) blacks and NH whites. Men had higher incidence rates than women for race and ethnic groups, but the relative size of this difference by sex was higher for NH blacks, NH Asian/Pacific Islanders and Hispanics compared with NH whites. The relative difference in incidence rates between men and women was slightly lower for NH American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations than for whites. Differences between men and women living in the West were less pronounced compared to those living in other Census regions.

Conclusion: The variations observed by race and ethnicity, continuing rise in incidence rates of lung adenocarcinoma, and rise of squamous cell cancer rates in women suggest more research is needed to comprehensively understand factors that may be contributing to observed differences in lung cancer histology. Identification of these factors acting in addition to, or in synergy with cigarette smoking, may provide public health agencies with guidance for targeted messages to groups at higher risk.

Citation Format: Keisha Houston, S. Jane Henley, Jun Li, Mary C. White, Thomas B. Richards. Disparities in lung cancer incidence rates and trends by histologic type in the United States, 2004-2009. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B63.

Gallbladder Cancer Incidence and Mortality, United States 1999-2011

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer is a rare cancer with unusual distribution, and few population-based estimates for the United States have been published.

METHODS

Using population-based cancer incidence and mortality data, we examined U.S. gallbladder cancer incidence and death rates for 2007-2011 and trends for 1999-2011.

RESULTS

During 2007 to 2011, approximately 3,700 persons were diagnosed with primary gallbladder cancer (rate = 1.13 cases per 100,000) and 2,000 died from the disease (rate = 0.62 deaths per 100,000) each year in the United States. Two thirds of gallbladder cancer cases and deaths occurred among women. Gallbladder cancer incidence and death rates were three times higher among American Indian and Alaska Native persons than non-Hispanic white persons. By state, gallbladder cancer incidence and death rates ranged by about 2-fold. During 1999 to 2011, gallbladder cancer incidence rates decreased among women but remained level among men; death rates declined among women but stabilized among men after declining from 1999 to 2006. Gallbladder cancer incidence rates increased in some subgroups, notably among black persons, those aged <45 years, and for endocrine tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from U.S. population-based cancer registries confirm that gallbladder cancer incidence and death rates are higher among women than men, highest among American Indian and Alaska Native persons, and differ by region. While overall incidence and death rates decreased during 1999 to 2011, incidence rates increased among some small subgroups.

IMPACT

Surveillance of gallbladder cancer incidence and mortality, particularly to monitor increases in subgroups, may provide clues to etiology and stimulate further research.

Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1975-2011, Featuring Incidence of Breast Cancer Subtypes by Race/Ethnicity, Poverty, and State

BACKGROUND

The American Cancer Society (ACS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Cancer Institute (NCI), and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) collaborate annually to produce updated, national cancer statistics. This Annual Report includes a focus on breast cancer incidence by subtype using new, national-level data.

METHODS

Population-based cancer trends and breast cancer incidence by molecular subtype were calculated. Breast cancer subtypes were classified using tumor biomarkers for hormone receptor (HR) and human growth factor-neu receptor (HER2) expression.

RESULTS

Overall cancer incidence decreased for men by 1.8% annually from 2007 to 2011 [corrected]. Rates for women were stable from 1998 to 2011. Within these trends there was racial/ethnic variation, and some sites have increasing rates. Among children, incidence rates continued to increase by 0.8% per year over the past decade while, like adults, mortality declined. HR+/HER2- breast cancers, the subtype with the best prognosis, were the most common for all races/ethnicities with highest rates among non-Hispanic white women, local stage cases, and low poverty areas (92.7, 63.51, and 98.69 per 100000 non-Hispanic white women, respectively). HR+/HER2- breast cancer incidence rates were strongly, positively correlated with mammography use, particularly for non-Hispanic white women (Pearson 0.57, two-sided P < .001). Triple-negative breast cancers, the subtype with the worst prognosis, were highest among non-Hispanic black women (27.2 per 100000 non-Hispanic black women), which is reflected in high rates in southeastern states.

CONCLUSIONS

Progress continues in reducing the burden of cancer in the United States. There are unique racial/ethnic-specific incidence patterns for breast cancer subtypes; likely because of both biologic and social risk factors, including variation in mammography use. Breast cancer subtype analysis confirms the capacity of cancer registries to adjust national collection standards to produce clinically relevant data based on evolving medical knowledge.

Invasive cancer incidence - Puerto Rico, 2007-2011

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and death in Puerto Rico. To set a baseline for identifying new trends and patterns of cancer incidence, Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry staff and CDC analyzed data from Puerto Rico included in U.S. Cancer Statistics (USCS) for 2007-2011, the most recent data available. This is the first report of invasive cancer incidence rates for 2007-2011 among Puerto Rican residents by sex, age, cancer site, and municipality. Cancer incidence rates in Puerto Rico were compared with those in the U.S. population for 2011. A total of 68,312 invasive cancers were diagnosed and reported in Puerto Rico during 2007-2011. The average annual incidence rate was 330 cases per 100,000 persons. The cancer sites with the highest cancer incidence rates included prostate (152), female breast (84), and colon and rectum (43). Cancer incidence rates varied by municipality, particularly for prostate, lung and bronchus, and colon and rectum cancers. In 2011, cancer incidence rates in Puerto Rico were lower for all cancer sites and lung and bronchus, but higher for prostate and thyroid cancers, compared with rates within the U.S.

POPULATION

Identifying these variations can aid evaluation of factors associated with high incidence, such as cancer screening practices, and development of targeted cancer prevention and control efforts. Public health professionals can monitor cancer incidence trends and use these findings to evaluate the impact of prevention efforts, such as legislation prohibiting tobacco use in the workplace and public places and the Puerto Rico Cessation Quitline in decreasing lung and other tobacco-related cancers.