Regional differences in colorectal cancer mortality trends, Spain (1980-2018).

Abstract

the aim of this study was to describe the trends of colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality by autonomous communities (ACs) and gender in Spain (1980-2018). the age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) for CRC (per 100,000) were calculated by direct standardization, using the world standard population. Mortality trends were described by ACs using a joinpoint regression model in both sexes. The annual percent changes and average annual percentage of change were computed for trends using the joinpoint regression analysis. during the most recent five-year period (2014-2018), the rates decreased among both males and females and were more pronounced in males (-2.3 %) than in females (-1.1 %), although with differences by ACs. ASMRs decrease in both sexes in the Basque Country, Canary Islands, Catalonia, Castile and Leon, Andalusia, Balearic Islands, Madrid, Murcia and Valencia. Whereas in other ACs, it only increases in males (Navarre, Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura and La Rioja) or females (Aragon, Asturias and Galicia). this updated analysis of temporal patterns of CRC mortality in Spain from 1980-2018, divided by ACs and sex, shows gender differences in CRC mortality trends. Despite the favorable trends in both sexes, the gender gap is widening.