Trends in Breast, Prostate, and Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Mortality among 50+: United States and Europe

Krista E. Garcia, University of Southern California

Recent studies on cancer in the U.S. and Europe show an overall decline in cancer mortality in recent years; however the magnitude of the decline is variable across countries. Declines in screened cancers have played important roles in the reduction in overall cancer mortality. Our study examines temporal changes in age-standardized incidence and mortality rates for breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer among persons aged 50 years and older in the U.S. and nine European countries. Joinpoint regression is used to summarize mortality trends. From 1980-2002, breast and prostate cancer incidence rates have been highest in the U.S., while declining trends are observed for colon cancer. From 1990-2005, the U.S. has experienced one of the fastest declines in cancer mortality for breast, prostate and colorectal cancer, -2.2%, -3.2%, -2.4% per year, respectfully. We address potential explanations for disparities in cancer trends and examine differences in cancer prevention, care, and treatment.