Abstract B028: Trends in brain and central nervous system mortality in the United States from 1999-2021

Abstract Purpose: Brain and other central nervous system (CNS) cancers are rare but account for a disproportionate burden of cancer mortality due to a high fatality rate. This study aims to elucidate the mortality rates of brain and other CNS malignancies and their trends in the United States. Methods: Mortality trends among all brain and CNS cancers were analyzed using data from the CDC WONDER database from 1999 to 2021. Crude and age-adjusted mortality (AAMRs) per 100,000 population were collected and standardized to the 2000 US population. Joinpoint regression software was used to study temporal changes in AAMRs by sex, race/ethnicity, US Census Regions, and age groups. Results: From 1999 to 2021, there were 339,187 deaths due to brain and other CNS cancers. Across all years, there was a steady annual average percent change (AAPC) decrease of 0.09 (p = 0.132) in AAMRs. Male individuals were found to have a higher overall AAMR than women, with a rate of 5.40 (95% CI: 5.30-5.40), and an AAPC decrease of 0.20 (p = 0.050) from 1999 to 2021. Non-Hispanic White individuals had the highest observed AAMR, with a rate of 5.00 (95% CI: 4.90-5.00), and an AAPC increase of 0.12 (p = 0.599) across all years. Individuals from the Midwest had the highest observed AAMR, with a rate of 4.60 (95% CI: 4.50-4.70), and an AAPC decrease of 0.13 (p = 0.088) from 1999 to 2021. Individuals over 70 years also had the highest crude mortality rate of 19.30 (95% CI: 19.20 - 19.40) and an AAPC increase of 0.36 (p < 0.001) across all years. Conclusions: Findings highlight the persistent burden of brain and CNS cancers, with notable disparities by sex, race/ethnicity, region, and age. Further etiological research and targeted public health strategies are essential for reducing mortality disparities and improving patient outcomes. Citation Format: Matthew Calumpit, Armaan Jamal. Trends in brain and central nervous system mortality in the United States from 1999-2021 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Brain Cancer; 2026 Mar 23-25; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(6_Suppl):Abstract nr B028.