Brain and CNS cancer mortality in the US remained relatively stable overall from 1999 to 2021, but significant disparities exist, including increasing mortality among individuals over 70 years old.
Abstract Purpose: Brain and other central nervous system (CNS) cancers are rare but account for a disproportionate burden of cancer mortality due to a high fatality rate. This study aims to elucidate the mortality rates of brain and other CNS malignancies and their trends in the United States. Methods: Mortality trends among all brain and CNS cancers were analyzed using data from the CDC WONDER database from 1999 to 2021. Crude and age-adjusted mortality (AAMRs) per 100, 000 population were collected and standardized to the 2000 US population. Joinpoint regression software was used to study temporal changes in AAMRs by sex, race/ethnicity, US Census Regions, and age groups. Results: From 1999 to 2021, there were 339, 187 deaths due to brain and other CNS cancers. Across all years, there was a steady annual average percent change (AAPC) decrease of 0. 09 (p = 0. 132) in AAMRs. Male individuals were found to have a higher overall AAMR than women, with a rate of 5. 40 (95% CI: 5. 30-5. 40), and an AAPC decrease of 0. 20 (p = 0. 050) from 1999 to 2021. Non-Hispanic White individuals had the highest observed AAMR, with a rate of 5. 00 (95% CI: 4. 90-5. 00), and an AAPC increase of 0. 12 (p = 0. 599) across all years. Individuals from the Midwest had the highest observed AAMR, with a rate of 4. 60 (95% CI: 4. 50-4. 70), and an AAPC decrease of 0. 13 (p = 0. 088) from 1999 to 2021. Individuals over 70 years also had the highest crude mortality rate of 19. 30 (95% CI: 19. 20 - 19. 40) and an AAPC increase of 0. 36 (p 0. 001) across all years. Conclusions: Findings highlight the persistent burden of brain and CNS cancers, with notable disparities by sex, race/ethnicity, region, and age. Further etiological research and targeted public health strategies are essential for reducing mortality disparities and improving patient outcomes. Citation Format: Matthew Calumpit, Armaan Jamal. Trends in brain and central nervous system mortality in the United States from 1999-2021 abstract. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Brain Cancer; 2026 Mar 23-25; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86 (6Suppl): Abstract nr B028.
Calumpit et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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