Cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal cancers: Mortality trends and persistent disparities in the U.S

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

5-28-2025

Publication Title

J Clin Oncol

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant contributor to mortality among patients with gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers. This study analyses changes in age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) for CVD in GIT cancer patients in the U.S. from 1999 to 2020, focusing on demographic and geographic disparities. Methods: CVD-related deaths in GIT cancer patients aged ≥25 years were examined using CDC WONDER data. AAMRs per 100,000 individuals were calculated, and trends were assessed via annual percentage changes (APCs) and average annual percentage changes (AAPCs). Results: Between 1999 and 2020, 921,107 CVD deaths occurred among GIT cancer patients. The overall AAMRdecreased from 230.0 in 1999 to 190.7 in 2020, with an AAPC of -0.97∗ (p< 0.000001). Men had higher AAMRs (255.3) than women (144.4), though women experienced a greater decline (AAPC: -1.44∗, p< 0.000001) compared to men (AAPC: -0.88∗, p< 0.000001). Black individuals exhibited the highest AAMR (273.03), followed by Hispanics (199.3), Asians Pacific Islanders (190.0), American Indians (182.75), and Whites (180.87). Asians Pacific Islanders showed the steepest decline (AAPC: -2.56∗, p< 0.000001). Geographically, New York had the highest AAMR (318.73), while Utah recorded the lowest (98.05). Nonmetropolitan areas showed higher AAMRs than metropolitan areas but smaller declines (AAPC: -0.15∗, p = 0.003 vs. -1.13∗, p<0.000001). Conclusions: Despite overall declines in CVD mortality among GIT cancer patients, significant disparities persist by gender, race, and geography. Targeted interventions are needed to address these inequalities and further reduce the burden of CVD among this vulnerable population.

Volume

43

Issue

16

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