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Abstract #153141

Jun Li, MD PhD MPH, Sherri Stewart, PhD, Jackie Miller, MD, Trevor Thompson, BS, and Loria Pollack, MD MPH. Division of cancer prevention and control, Centers for disease control and prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, MS K55, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-488-3030, jli14@cdc.gov

West is a U.S. Census region with the highest death rate from childhood cancers. A recent study indicated a slight increase in the death rate in the West during 1996-2003; however, this change has not been well characterized. Thus, we examined which group accounted for this increase. The most recent National Vital Statistics System mortality data were used to identify childhood cancer deaths in the West between 1990 and 2003. Age-adjusted death rates (ADR) per million were calculated and stratified by sex, age, race/ethnicity and cancer site. Trend changes per year were assessed by Joinpoint regression. We identified 7,813 deaths from all childhood cancers in the West (ADR=31.30). The ADR significantly declined among females during 1990-2003 (-1.21%); it significantly declined among males during 1990-1999 (-3.20%), but increased during 1999-2003 (3.76%). The ADR slightly declined for Blacks (-1.76%), Asians/Pacific Islanders (-1.52%), and American Indians/Alaska Natives (-1.79%) during 1990-2003; for Whites it significantly declined during 1990-1999 (-2.84%), but increased during 1999-2003 (3.36%). The ADR significantly declined for Non-Hispanics during 1990-2003 (-1.77%); it declined for Hispanics during 1992-1998 (-3.10%), but increased during 1998-2003 (3.71%) especially a significant increase occurring among children aged 0-14 years (3.13%). Only decreasing or stable trends were observed for leukemia (-2.34%), lymphoma (-6.00%) and brain tumor (-0.18%) during 1990-2003. This study demonstrates substantial variability in death rate for childhood cancer by year and by demographic factors. It suggests the recent increase of ADR in the West might be partially attributed to the rate increasing among young white Hispanic males.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate the pattern of cancer trend with surveillance data examined and the methodology used
• Recognize recent childhood cancer burdens and its geographic and demographic variations
• Prioritize cancer research and intervention to address the problems

Keywords: Cancer, Pediatrics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.