Background: Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by excessive red blood cell production, leading to increased risk of thrombosis and other complications. Despite its clinical significance, trends in PV mortality across demographic groups in the US remain understudied. Methods: Nationwide mortality records were obtained from the CDC-WONDER database from 1999 to 2023 among U.S. adults aged ≥45 with PV. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 population were calculated for variables. Joinpoint regression analysis was utilized to evaluate annual percent changes (APCs). Results: From 1999 to 2023, a total of 24,236 deaths occurred among adults with PV in the U.S. The overall AAMR decreased from 1.15 in 1999 to 0.73 in 2023 (AAPC: -1.96; 95% CI: -2.28 to -1.73; p < 0.001). The AAMR for men decreased from 1.38 in 1999 to 0.87 in 2023 (AAPC-1.88; 95% CI: -2.36 to -1.37; p < 0.001), and for women decreased from 1 in 1999 to 0.62 in 2023 (AAPC: -2.03; 95% CI: -2.66 to -1.43; p < 0.001). Across racial/ethnic groups, AAMR was highest in non-Hispanic White (0.93 per 100,000). Overall, AAMRs were highest in the Midwest (0.95). The majority of deaths occurred in medical facilities (39.36%). Rural areas had a higher overall AAMR (0.91) compared to urban areas (0.82). Conclusion: Trends in (PV) mortality declined overall from 1999 to 2023—higher trends observed in men, rural areas, the Midwest region, and NH White.

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, driven by multiple risk factors including infection, diet, genetics, and lifestyle behaviors. Tobacco use is a well-established modifiable risk factor that contributes to gastric carcinogenesis through chronic mucosal injury. This study aimed to evaluate long-term mortality trends of tobacco-associated GC among United States adults aged ≥ 25 years. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis using the CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death database from 2003 to 2023. Adults aged ≥ 25 years with GC (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision: C16) and tobacco use disorder (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision: F17) listed as underlying or contributing causes of death were included. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 population were calculated. Temporal trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression, reporting annual percent change and average annual percent change (AAPC). A total of 17,357 deaths were attributed to tobacco-associated GC (overall AAMR: 0.34). Mortality was higher among males (AAMR: 0.58) compared with females (AAMR: 0.15), with comparable temporal trends (AAPC: 4.59% vs 4.58%, respectively). Overall AAMR increased significantly from 0.15 in 2003 to 0.40 in 2023 (AAPC: 4.60%; 95% confidence interval: 3.11–6.18). Across racial groups, non-Hispanic (NH) Black individuals exhibited the highest mortality burden (AAMR: 0.56). However, NH White individuals demonstrated the steepest relative increase over time (AAPC: 3.89%). Regionally, the Midwest had the highest mortality burden (AAMR: 0.45) and the fastest growth (AAPC: 7.33%). Nonmetropolitan areas showed higher mortality (AAMR: 0.45) and a greater increase (AAPC: 4.73%) than metropolitan areas (AAMR: 0.33; AAPC: 4.14%). Tobacco-associated GC mortality has increased significantly in the United States from 2003 to 2023. While NH Black individuals bear the greatest overall mortality burden, NH White individuals exhibit the steepest rise in mortality rates. Higher burden and growth in the Midwest and rural areas highlight persistent geographic disparities.

Background: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological cancer, with chronic kidney disease (CKD) representing a major complication. This study aims to analyze national mortality trends, demographic differences, and geographic variation related to MM and CKD. Methods: Nationwide mortality records were obtained from the CDC-WONDER database from 1999 to 2023 among U.S. adults aged ≥45 with MM (C90.0) and CKD (N18); Deaths recorded anywhere on the death certificate (multiple-cause). Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 populations were calculated for variables. Joinpoint regression analysis was utilized to evaluate annual percent changes (APCs). Results: From 1999 to 2023, a total of 24,606 deaths occurred among adults with MM and CKD in the U.S. The overall AAMR increased from (0.65) in 1999 to (0.86) in 2023 (AAPC: 1.22; 95% CI: 0.54 to 2.00; p<0.001). Males had a higher overall AAMR (1.09) and a more rapid increase (AAPC: 1.40; p<0.001) compared to females (AAMR: 0.60; AAPC: 0.71; p=0.027). Racially, NH Blacks had the highest AAMR (2.14). Regionally, the highest AAMRs were in the South (0.83). Metropolitan areas had a higher overall AAMR 0.81 than Non-metropolitan areas 0.77 (available 1999–2020 only). Most deaths occurred in inpatient medical facilities (46.27%). Among adults aged ≥65 years, overall CMR was 1.80 per 100,000. Conclusion: Mortality from MM and CKD is increasing in the U.S from 1999 to 2023. NH Blacks, males, urban areas and the South region face high burden of death, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to reduce these substantial disparities.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States despite advances in screening and treatment. Prior national studies have documented long-term declines in CRC mortality; however, emerging demographic and disparities warrant updated evaluation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, population-based analysis of CRC mortality in the United States from 1999 to 2023 using the CDC WONDER database. Adults aged ≥25 years with CRC were identified using ICD-10 codes C18–C20. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 population were calculated. Trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression. Results: From 1999 to 2023, a total of 1,551,550 CRC deaths were recorded among U.S. adults aged ≥25. The overall AAMR declined from 38.23 per 100,000 in 1999 to 22.93 in 2023 (AAPC: –2.14; 95% CI: –2.39 to –1.88; p < 0.001). Overall, the AAMR declined in both sexes between 1999 and 2023; 31.98 to 19.09 (AAPC: -2.16; p < 0.01) among women, as compared to 47.46 to 27.43 (AAPC: -2.31; p < 0.01) among men. Racial disparities persisted, with non-Hispanic Black individuals showing the highest overall AAMR (37.34). Regionally, the Midwest has the highest overall AAMR (30.05). Urban–rural comparisons (1999–2020) showed higher AAMRs in rural areas (32.08) than in metropolitan areas (27.81). Older adults (≥65 years) accounted for most deaths. The most common place of death was home (40.7%). Conclusions: CRC mortality in the U.S. has declined substantially over the past 25 years; however, significant disparities persist by race, geography, and age.

Background: The coexistence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and renal disease is a significant contributor to mortality and morbidity. However, comprehensive national mortality trends for AF among older adults with renal disease, including demographic and geographic variations, remain largely unexamined. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of U.S. adult deaths (≥65 years) from 1999 to 2023 using the CDC WONDER Multiple Cause of Death database. Deaths were included when atrial fibrillation and kidney disease appeared in any mention field of the death certificate, regardless of the underlying cause of death. We calculated crude and age-adjusted mortality rates (CMR, AAMR) per 100,000 population, and temporal trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC). Results: A total of 372,652 deaths were attributed to both AF and renal disease in older adults. The national AAMR increased more than threefold, from 16.67 in 1999 to 54.45 per 100,000 in 2023 (AAPC: 5.10; p < 0.001). Men had higher absolute mortality, but women experienced a slightly steeper increase in AAMR. Non-Hispanic White individuals had the highest absolute mortality, while all racial/ethnic groups showed significant increases. The South reported the most deaths, the Northeast had the highest AAMR, and non-metropolitan areas consistently showed higher AAMR than metropolitan areas. Most deaths occurred in medical facilities (54.55%). Conclusions: Mortality from AF and renal disease has substantially risen over the past 25 years, with marked disparities by sex, race/ethnicity, geography, and urbanization.