Cancer Mortality in the US-Affiliated Pacific Islands, 2008-2013

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Cancer-related mortality data for US-Affiliated Pacific Island (USAPI) jurisdictions were previously unknown.
• This study represents the first comprehensive report of cancer mortality in the USAPI region.
• Accurate mortality data are crucial for understanding cancer burden and guiding public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine cancer-related mortality rates within the USAPI jurisdictions.
• To identify disparities in cancer mortality across different USAPI territories.
• To inform the development of targeted cancer prevention and control interventions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized cancer registry data from individual USAPI jurisdictions submitted to the Pacific Regional Central Cancer Registry (PRCCR) for 2008-2013.
• Examined 3,118 incident cancer cases, focusing on 1,323 deaths.
• Calculated incidence-based mortality (IBM) rates using SEER*Stat software, age-adjusted to the US standard population.

Main Results:

• Highest male cancer IBM rates were observed in Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and Guam.
• Highest female cancer IBM rates were observed in RMI, Palau, and Guam.
• Median time from diagnosis to death was notably shorter in Freely Associated States compared to Flag Territories; USAPI rates exceeded those in Hawai'i for several preventable cancers.

Conclusions:

• Significant variations in cancer mortality exist across USAPI jurisdictions, necessitating tailored public health interventions.
• Challenges such as geographic remoteness and reporting delays impact data accuracy but underscore the need for improved cancer surveillance.
• The findings support prioritizing risk factor reduction, early detection, and palliative care to decrease cancer-related deaths in the USAPI region.