Abstract PS4-12-17: Analyzing Mortality Trends and Disparities in Pulmonary Embolism and Breast Cancer among U.S. Patients: A Decade Long Population-Based Retrospective Study, 2010-2020

Abstract Background Patients with breast cancer are particularly vulnerable to developing Pulmonary Embolism (PE) due to factors like cancer-induced hypercoagulability, treatment with chemotherapy, and frequent hospital stays. Despite this known association, there is a lack of comprehensive, population level data tracking PE-related mortality trends in this population over time. Objectives To evaluate national trends and disparities in PE-related mortality among U.S. breast cancer patients from 2010 to 2020. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of adults aged 25 years of age and older from 2010-2020 using CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death Data. Relevant ICD Codes for Pulmonary Embolism (I26) and Malignant Neoplasm of Breast (C50) were utilized. Data for total number of deaths and Age Adjusted Mortality Rate (AAMR) per 100,000 population was extracted. Joinpoint Regression Program was used to analyze mortality trends and calculate Annual Percentage Changes (APC with relevant 95% Confidence Interval), with further analyses stratified by race and census regions. Results Between 2010 and 2020, a total of 488 deaths were seen in Hispanic or Latino Population (AAMR 0.19), and a total of 8020 deaths were noted among the Non Hispanic Population in the U.S. (AAMR 0.34) attributed to PE and Breast Cancers. APCs among the Non Hispanic Black or African American Population (2010-2012: 10.68, then 2012-2015: -10.91, and 2015-2020: 8.87) and White Population (2010-2012: 10.13, then 2012-2016: -2.18, and 2016-2020: 7.02) appeared to be uptrending initially; downtrending observed later on, and a significant rise being observed in the recent years. Among the Hispanic or Latino Population, APCs were downtrending initially with an uptrending noticed in the recent years (2010-2016: -3.46, then 2016-2020: 17.80). We were not able to calculate AAMR and APCs for American Indian/ Alaska Natives and Asian/ Pacific Islanders due to limited data reliability. Regionally, the South reported the highest number of deaths (3020), followed by the Midwest (1996), West (1923), and Northeast (1591). AAMRs were highest in the Midwest (0.36), followed by the West (0.34), Northeast (0.32), and South (0.31). For Northeast, mortality trends appeared to be increasing (APC: 0.21), while for the Midwest (2010-2017: -0.93, then 2017-2020: 15.82), South (2010-2018: -0.57, then 2018-2020: 18.86) and West (2010-2012: 17.24, then 2012-2017: -3.26, then 2017-2020: 12.08), a similar pattern of initial decline and a recent incline, particularly significant in the Midwest, was observed in the recent years. Conclusion Recent years have seen a concerning rise in mortality related to Pulmonary Embolism and Breast Cancer across the U.S., with notable disparities based on geography and demographics. These patterns highlight an urgent need for targeted research and tailored preventive efforts to close the gaps, and improve survival and patient outcomes. Citation Format: A. Abbas, H. Habib, A. Tayyab, S. A. Khan. Analyzing Mortality Trends and Disparities in Pulmonary Embolism and Breast Cancer among U.S. Patients: A Decade Long Population-Based Retrospective Study, 2010-2020 abstract. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS4-12-17.