Pancreatic Cancer Incidence, Mortality, and Survival in Puerto Rico, 2001-2015.

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Pancreatic cancer (PC) poses a significant health challenge globally.
• Understanding the epidemiological profile of PC in specific populations is vital for targeted interventions.
• Puerto Rico (PR) has unique demographic and healthcare factors that may influence PC trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an epidemiological profile of pancreatic cancer in Puerto Rico.
• To analyze incidence, mortality, and survival trends of PC in PR from 2001 to 2015.
• To compare PC rates in PR with those in the United States Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, and non-Hispanic black populations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry (PRCCR).
• Estimated incidence and mortality rates and trends for PC in PR.
• Conducted survival analyses and comparative analyses with US racial/ethnic groups.

Main Results:

• PC incidence was 7.8 per 100,000 and mortality was 6.7 per 100,000 in PR (2011-2015).
• Higher rates were observed in men and individuals aged 65+.
• Incidence and mortality trends showed increases (APC 3.8% and 1.9%, respectively) from 2001-2015; median survival was 5.3 months.

Conclusions:

• Puerto Rico exhibits increasing PC mortality rates and notably low patient survival.
• PC incidence and mortality rates in PR were lower compared to certain racial/ethnic groups in the US.
• Further investigation into treatment access and response is recommended to mitigate PC burden and improve survival in PR.