Trends in laryngeal cancer incidence and mortality: A comprehensive analysis of long-term and recent patterns with demographic disparities using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data.

Abstract

e18072 Background: Laryngeal cancer, primarily linked to smoking and alcohol consumption, has exhibited changing trends in incidence and mortality over the years. This study compares long-term (1975–2021) and recent (2000–2021) trends, emphasizing differences across demographic groups using SEER and U.S. mortality data. Methods: This is a retrospective Cohort study that was conducted using SEER data for incidence rates and U.S. mortality statistics from 1975 to 2021, calculating Annual Percent Change (APC) and Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC). Comparisons across sex, age, and race/ethnicity were assessed using Joinpoint regression analysis. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. Results: Incidence: From 1975 to 2021, the overall incidence of laryngeal cancer decreased significantly from 4.7 to 2.4 per 100,000 (AAPC: -1.9%, p < 0.01). Male incidence dropped more steeply from 8.5 to 3.9 per 100,000 (AAPC: -2.2%, p < 0.01), while female rates showed a modest decline from 1.3 to 1.0 per 100,000 (AAPC: -0.6%, p = 0.04). Recent trends (2000–2021) revealed accelerated declines, with the APC for males at -3.1% (p < 0.01) compared to -0.9% for females (p = 0.03). Mortality: Mortality rates mirrored these trends, decreasing from 1.7 to 0.8 per 100,000 (AAPC: -2.4%, p < 0.01). Male mortality fell from 3.3 to 1.3 per 100,000 (AAPC: -2.9%, p < 0.01), while female mortality remained relatively unchanged (0.4 to 0.3 per 100,000, AAPC: -0.4%, p = 0.19). Black populations consistently showed higher incidence (3.1 per 100,000 in 2021) and mortality rates (1.5 per 100,000) compared to White (incidence: 2.2; mortality: 0.7) and Hispanic groups (incidence: 1.8; mortality: 0.5, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Laryngeal cancer incidence and mortality have declined significantly, with sharper reductions in males. Persistent racial disparities necessitate targeted prevention and treatment strategies.