Breast Cancer in Jamaica: Trends From 2010 to 2014-Is Mortality Increasing?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women in Jamaica.
• Global advancements in breast cancer screening and treatment have not yet translated to reduced mortality in Jamaica.
• This contrasts with decreasing breast cancer mortality rates observed in the United States.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a detailed analysis of breast cancer-specific mortality in Jamaica.
• To examine trends in breast cancer deaths between 2010 and 2014.
• To identify age-specific mortality patterns.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Data on breast cancer-specific mortality were obtained from the Registrar General's Department of Jamaica.
• Analysis included age-standardized mortality rates and annual percentage changes.

Main Results:

• A total of 1,634 breast cancer deaths occurred among Jamaican women from 2010 to 2014, representing 24% of all female cancer deaths.
• The age-standardized breast cancer mortality rate increased from 21.8 to 28 per 100,000 women between 2010 and 2014.
• Statistically significant increasing trends in breast cancer mortality were observed overall (P = .028) and in the 35-44, 65-74, and ≥75 age groups.

Conclusions:

• Breast cancer remains a critical public health issue and priority in Jamaica.
• The increasing mortality trend necessitates urgent attention and intervention.
• There is a critical need to implement a national organized breast cancer screening program and to intensify research into breast cancer biology in Jamaica.