Trends in cervical cancer incidence in the United States from 2000-2019

Abstract

Introduction

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health issue globally and in the United States (US). Understanding the patterns of disease occurrence and identifying at-risk populations is crucial. This study aimed to assess the impact of age, menstrual cycle, and birth cohort on cervical cancer incidence, with a focus on identifying the most vulnerable demographic groups.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 17 database, which included cervical cancer cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2019. Age-period-cohort (APC) modeling and joinpoint analysis were employed to examine trends in cervical cancer incidence across various age groups, racial categories, tumor stages, and sizes. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) and their 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess temporal and demographic variations.

Results

Cervical cancer incidence demonstrated a fluctuating trend from 2000 to 2019, with an initial decline followed by a slight increase from 2013 onward. The annual growth rate post-2013 was 0.3 % (95 % CI: −0.7 %–1.4 %). Age-specific analysis revealed a significant decrease in incidence for the 20–24 age group and an increase for the 40–44 age group, which reached its peak during the study period. A reduction in incidence was also observed for localized and distant tumor stages, as well as smaller tumors.

Conclusion

Between 2000 and 2019, cervical cancer incidence varied across age groups, with individuals aged 40–44 years showing a marked increase in susceptibility. These findings highlight the importance of targeted intervention strategies for vulnerable populations and provide insights into the temporal dynamics of cervical cancer incidence.