Liver Cancer Mortality Rates in Peru: Trend Analysis from 2003 to 2017

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in Peru.
• Reports suggest rising mortality in major Peruvian cities.
• National and regional data on liver cancer mortality trends are scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze liver cancer mortality rates in Peru from 2003-2017.
• To examine national, regional, and sex-specific mortality trends.
• To identify geographic variations in liver cancer mortality.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Peruvian Ministry of Health mortality data (2003-2017).
• Calculated age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) per 100,000 person-years.
• Employed Joinpoint regression and GeoDa software for trend and spatial analysis.

Main Results:

• Over 31,000 liver cancer deaths recorded between 2003-2017.
• Significant annual decrease in female mortality since 2005 (-3.1%), with regional variations.
• Observed fluctuating trends in male mortality in Ancash and decreasing rates in other regions.

Conclusions:

• Liver cancer mortality trends in Peru show regional and sex-specific differences.
• Observed decreases were not always statistically significant, and some areas saw increases.
• Addressing healthcare access and risk factors is crucial for effective liver cancer control.