1418Geographic disparities in temporal trends for the most prevalent cancer types in Argentina, 1996-2015

Abstract

Abstract Background There are significant differences in cancer mortality burden along time and between regions, related to changes in individual and contextual conditions. We aimed to analyze the geographic pattern and temporal trend of cancer mortality in Argentina, simultaneously, by using mapping techniques. Methods Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR, direct method) and average annual percent change (APC, joinpoint regression method) in 1996-2015 were estimated for breast, lung, prostate, colon, cervix, stomach and total cancer in Argentina. Mortality maps were constructed (provincial level, n = 24) for the 2013-2015 period, overlapping temporal trend information (1996-2015), using ascending or decreasing arrows for rising (positive) or decreasing (negative) APC, respectively; the arrow size was proportional to the APC magnitude. Results Both sexes show a similar geographical pattern in cancer ASMR characterized by higher rates in the central and southern Argentinian provinces, and lower rates in the northern provinces. However, men present higher rates than women (ASMRs between 85-158/100,000 deaths/year, and between 67-99/100,000, respectively). Most of tumour sites presented negative APC in most provinces, with geographical disparities on their magnitude. Nevertheless, lung cancer in women (mean APC=1.4%) and colon cancer (1.5% in men and 2.1% in women) showed increasing mortality trends. Conclusions Overall, cancer shows favorable mortality temporal trends, with heterogeneity between provinces in the APC magnitude. Maps suggest that geographical disparities may be linked to social inequalities. Key messages Geographical pattern in cancer ASMR was similar by sex, although with higher rates in men. Cancer sites show decreasing mortality trends, except female lung cancer and colon cancer.