Temporal trends in cardiac arrest and cancer-related mortality among adults in the United States, 1999–2023

Cardiac arrest (CA) remains a major contributor to cardiovascular-related mortality in the United States. The coexistence of cancer significantly exacerbates overall disease burden. This study investigates CA and cancer-related trends and demographic disparities in adults from 1999 to 2023. This retrospective analysis of CDC WONDER data investigates the trends in mortality associated with CA in patients with cancer. Using Joinpoint regression analysis, the study calculated age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 individuals and corresponding annual percentage changes (APC), along with 95% confidence intervals. Between 1999 and 2023, CA and cancer–related mortality accounted for 1,503,315 deaths. With an AAPC of -2.3 (95% CI: -2.4 to -2.1, p < 0.001), the overall AAMR decreased from 37.3 in 1999 to 21.1 in 2023. Adult men had higher AAMRs than women (men: 48.4; women: 30.4) in 1999 to (men: 25.7; women: 17.8) in 2023, with decline for both sexes [men: AAPC: -2.5, p < 0.001; women: AAPC: -2.2, p < 0.001]. AAMRs varied significantly by race, for NH Black individuals (57.6 to 28.1), NH American Indians (22.1 to 15.5), Hispanics (44.6 to 24.7) and NH Whites (34.4 to 19.5) from 1999 to 2023 respectively. The greatest decline in AAMR was observed in middle-aged adults (AAPC: -2.3, p < 0.001). Regionally, the highest decline was seen in South region (AAPC: -3.3, p < 0.001). AAMRs varied by state, from 5.2 in West Virginia to 55.3 in California during 2023. This study reveals significant demographic and geographic disparities in CA and cancer-related mortality in U.S. adults from 1999 to 2023, with a disproportionately high burden observed among older adults, males, and NH Black individuals. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted, equity-driven public health strategies for high-risk groups.