Pregnancy-associated cancer death in the United States, 2018-2023

Cancer accounts for about 20% of late maternal deaths in the United States. This study described nationwide patterns of pregnancy-associated cancer mortality among women aged 15-54 years from 2018 to 2023.

We conducted a serial cross-sectional study using CDC WONDER data, including all live births and pregnancy-associated cancer deaths from 2018 to 2023. Mortality rates were estimated by census region, state, and race and ethnicity, and the proportional contribution of specific cancers was assessed.

During 2018-2023, 731 pregnancy-associated cancer deaths occurred, a rate of 3.3 per 100 000 live births. Non-Hispanic Black women had the highest rate (4.8 per 100 000). Rates varied geographically, with the South highest and the West, particularly California, lowest. Breast cancer, hematologic malignancies, and colorectal cancer together accounted for nearly half of deaths.

Pregnancy-associated cancer mortality varied by region, state, and race and ethnicity, with breast, hematologic, and colorectal cancers as leading causes.