Breast cancer incidence and mortality trends in Missouri

Among women in Missouri as in the United States (U.S.), breast cancer is the leading site of new cancer cases and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. This study examined patterns of breast cancer incidence and mortality among Missouri women. Age-adjusted Missouri incidence (1985-1992) and mortality (1985-1994) data were compared with Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data (1985-1992) by race and diagnosis year. Missouri Cancer Registry (MCR) data indicate that there have been no significant changes in breast cancer incidence and mortality rates through the time periods. Incidence rates for Missouri females (White, African-American and All) are significantly lower than SEER rates for all age groups, with greater differences in all races among women over 65. Incidence rates for African-Americans are significantly lower than for whites. However, Missouri mortality rates for African-Americans fluctuate over the period, but are consistently higher than for whites. In addition, African-Americans over age 65 have higher mortality rates in Missouri than in the U.S.