Publication:

A retrospective study to assess temporal trends in mortality for colon cancer and non-infective enteritis and colitis among U.S. adults, 1999-2020

Background Colon cancer and non-infective enteritis and colitis continue to be major causes of gastrointestinal deaths in the United States, despite improvements in screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This study to evaluate long-term mortality trends and demographic differences in colon cancer and non-infective enteritis and colitis among U.S. adults aged 25 years and older, between 1999 and 2020.

Methods In this retrospective, STROBE-compliant study, data was obtained from the CDC Multiple Cause of Death database (1999-2020). Deaths were categorised by colon cancer (C18) as the underlying cause and non-infective enteritis and colitis (K50-K52) as a contributing cause. Age-adjusted mortality rates (per 1,000,000 population) and temporal trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression. Associations with sex, race, urbanization, and place of death were also evaluated.

Results A total of 2,885 deaths were analyzed. Of these, 53.2% were males and 46.8% females; 92.1% were White and 6.4% Black; 80.9% lived in metropolitan areas, including 27.5% in large central areas. 47.6% of deaths occurred in medical facilities, 28.4% at home, and 13.1% in nursing homes. Mortality rates were higher among males and residents of metropolitan areas. Joinpoint regression revealed significant temporal changes in mortality over the study period.

Conclusions Mortality from colon cancer and non-infective enteritis/colitis showed changes over time from 1999 to 2020, with overall declines but with higher mortality rates among males and those in metropolitan areas. These findings highlight the importance of improving screening, early detection, and targeted interventions to reduce disparities and improve outcomes in high-risk populations.