EPID-16. Trends in brain tumor mortality in the U.S. by race and sex, 1999–2020: A population-based analysis

Abstract Understanding whether brain tumor mortality trends differ by race and sex is critical for identifying demographic disparities and guiding equitable health interventions. This study evaluated national mortality trends from malignant brain tumors (ICD-10 code C71) across racial and sex groups in the United States from 1999 to 2020, using publicly available age-adjusted mortality data from the CDC WONDER database. We extracted mortality counts and population estimates stratified by race (White, Black or African American, Asian or Pacific Islander, and Other) and sex (male and female). Linear regression models were used to analyze temporal trends, and interaction terms between year and demographic groups assessed whether trends differed across groups. Overall, brain tumor mortality rates demonstrated a slight decline over the 22-year period. However, the differences in the rate of decline between Black or African American and White populations compared to the reference group (Asian or Pacific Islander) were not statistically significant (p > 0.3). Similarly, no significant interaction was observed between year and sex (p > 0.7), indicating that mortality trends over time were comparable between males and females. These findings suggest that brain tumor mortality trends have remained stable across racial and sex groups, with no evidence of divergent improvements or worsening outcomes among the studied demographics. While reassuring, the absence of significant differences does not preclude the existence of underlying disparities. Further research integrating socioeconomic, geographic, and access-to-care variables may help uncover more nuanced patterns and guide targeted efforts to reduce disparities in neuro-oncology outcomes.