Trends and disparities in lung cancer and respiratory failure mortality in the US: A 24-year retrospective study.

Abstract

e20629 Background: Lung cancer (LC) and respiratory failure (RF) are major contributors to mortality in adults globally. Understanding long-term mortality trends across demographic, racial, geographic, and socio-economic groups is crucial to addressing disparities and improving outcomes. This study examines national mortality patterns for LC and RF in the United States from 1999 to 2023, providing critical insights into changes over time and identifying key disparities in age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs). Methods: A descriptive analysis of mortality data from the CDC WONDER database (1999-2023) identified deaths due to LC (ICD-10 code C34) and RF (ICD-10 code J96) in adults aged 25+. AAMRs per 100,000 population were calculated and stratified by gender, race/ethnicity, region, state, and urban-rural classification. Temporal trends were analyzed with Joinpoint regression to compute APCs and 95% CIs. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The study followed STROBE guidelines. Results: From 1999 to 2023, a total of 456,325 adult deaths (age 25-85+) were attributed to Lung cancer and Renal failure. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) for lung cancer (LC) and respiratory failure (RF) decreased from 1999 to 2010 (APC = -1.2, 95% CI: -1.6 to -0.9), followed by an increase from 2010 to 2023 (APC = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.7). Gender trends revealed a steady decline for men, while women's Age-Adjusted Mortality Rates (AAMr) initially decreased, then increased from 2011-2023 (APC: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.7 to 2.5). Non-Hispanic White populations experienced a rapid increase in age-adjusted mortality rates from 2014 to 2017 (APC: 2.7; 95% CI: 0.9 to 3.3), while other racial/ethnic groups exhibited varied trends with declines, increases, and stabilizations. Geographically, AAMRs were highest in the Northeast (8.6; 95% CI: 8.5 to 8.7) and lowest in the Midwest (7.1; 95% CI: 7.0 to 7.1). Metropolitan areas saw declining trends until 2006, stabilizing briefly, and increasing thereafter. Non-metropolitan areas experienced notable increases post-2009 (APC = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.8 to 3.1). State-level disparities revealed Mississippi with the highest AAMR (14.0; 95% CI: 13.7 to 14.4) and Wisconsin with the lowest (3.7; 95% CI: 3.5 to 3.8). These findings highlight significant demographic, racial, and geographic variations in LC and RF mortality trends. Conclusions: LC and RF-related mortality rates initially declined from 1999 to 2010 but increased significantly from 2010 onward, with notable demographic, racial, and geographic disparities. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and resource allocation to address these rising trends and reduce inequities across vulnerable populations.