Randomized trial reveals cancer site disparities in outcomes for early-onset gastrointestinal cancers, suggesting emerging health inequities.
Key Points
This research examines the trends in age-adjusted mortality from early-onset gastrointestinal cancers in the US, focusing on geographic and site-specific disparities.
Analyzed CDC WONDER data (1999-2020) for mortality from digestive organ neoplasms in ages 18-49.
Assessed age-adjusted mortality rates and temporal trends using NCI Joinpoint regression program.
Subgroup analyses performed by cancer site and urbanization level.
Overall, age-adjusted mortality rates declined (AAPC, -0.25%; 95% CI, -0.34 to -0.16; p < 0.05).
Early-onset colorectal cancer mortality increased (AAPC, 0.56%; 95% CI, 0.30–0.91; p < 0.001).
Rural areas showed rising mortality trends (AAPC, 0.30%; 95% CI, 0.04–0.57; p = 0.01), unlike large metropolitan areas with declines (AAPC, -0.46%; p = 0.02).