What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to analyze mortality trends related to gastric carcinoma and sepsis in the U.S. from 1999 to 2020, focusing on demographic disparities.

May 30, 2026

Analyzing dual threat shifts in gastric carcinoma and sepsis mortality in the United States from 1999-2020: Insights from CDC database.

Key Points

This research aims to analyze mortality trends related to gastric carcinoma and sepsis in the U.S. from 1999 to 2020, focusing on demographic disparities.
Cross-sectional study using CDC WONDER mortality data from 1999–2020.
Causes of death identified using ICD-10 codes, calculating age-adjusted mortality rates.
Joinpoint regression estimated average annual percentage changes with 95% confidence intervals.
Overall gastric cancer mortality declined from 0.29 to 0.22 per 100,000 (AAPC = –0.8%, 95% CI: –1.64 to 0.04).
Significant declines observed among those aged 65-74 (APC = –1.7%, 95% CI: –2.32 to –1.05) and 75-84 (APC = –1.9%, 95% CI: –2.65 to –1.05).
Adult mortality rates increased for the 45-54 age group after 2005 (APC = 5.1%, 95% CI: 2.82 to 7.46).

Abstract

e16067 Background: Gastric carcinoma remains a significant cause of cancer mortality in the United States. Although overall mortality rates have declined, persistent disparities exist across racial, age, and geographic groups. For cancer patients, sepsis—a life-threatening infection response—is a major fatal complication. Analyzing linked mortality data is crucial for identifying high-risk populations, understanding the burden of cancer-associated infections, and guiding targeted prevention and treatment strategies to improve outcomes and achieve health. Methods: This cross-sectional study used CDC WONDER mortality data from 1999–2020 for adults aged 25 years and older. Causes of death were identified using ICD-10 codes, and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were calculated across sex, race/ethnicity, age, census regions, and urban–rural categories. Mortality trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression to estimate average annual percentage changes (AAPC) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and statistical significance. Results: From 1999 to 2020, U.S. stomach cancer mortality declined overall, with AAMRs decreasing from 0.29 to 0.22 per 100,000 (AAPC = –0.8%, 95% CI: –1.64 to 0.04). Significant declines occurred among adults aged 65–74 (APC = –1.7%, 95% CI: –2.32 to –1.05), 75–84 (APC = –1.9%, 95% CI: –2.65 to –1.05), and ≥85 years (APC = –3.0%, 95% CI: –4.02 to –1.99). Adults 45–54 years experienced increasing mortality after 2005 (APC = 5.1%, 95% CI: 2.82 to 7.46), while rates among 55–64 years remained stable. Male mortality declined significantly (AAPC = –1.24%, 95% CI: –1.93 to –0.54), whereas female mortality showed no significant long term change (AAPC = –0.93%, 95% CI: –2.44 to 0.60). Black (AAPC = –2.25%, 95% CI: –3.02 to –1.47) and Hispanic/Latino populations (AAPC = –1.50%, 95% CI: –2.26 to –0.74) experienced significant declines. Regionally, the Northeast showed the largest decline (AAPC = –2.30%, 95% CI: –3.52 to –1.07), while the Midwest, South, and West demonstrated no significant long term trends. Metropolitan areas declined from 1999–2011 (APC = –2.80%, 95% CI: –4.44 to –1.14). Conclusions: While overall U.S. gastric cancer mortality declined from 1999–2020, this progress is uneven. Significant increases among adults aged 45–54 and stable rates for those 55–64 highlight an emerging concern. Furthermore, declining trends are concentrated in specific demographic groups and regions, such as the Northeast, revealing persistent disparities. These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention and research focused on younger adults and lagging geographic areas.

Mark Helpful

Bookmark

Relay