Race/Ethnicity, Age, Gender Disparities among Pancreatic Cancer Patients: A Study based on SEER Database

Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the digestive system. This study aimed to explore the disparities in incidence and survival across various races, ages, and genders. Methods: Data from the SEER 17 Registries Database, encompassing primary malignant pancreatic cancer cases diagnosed from 2016 to 2020, were analyzed. This study compared patients under the age of 50 with the whole population. Chi-square test evaluated the statistical significance of disparities in race/ethnicity, age, gender, cancer stages, and survival times.. Kaplan-Meier survival curve assessed survival differences by race/ethnicity, age, and gender, and using Annual Average Percentage Change to assess incidence trends. Results: The study included 33,151 patients, comprising 21,309 (64.2%) Whites, 3,817 (11.6%) Blacks, 207 (0.6%) American Indian/Alaska Natives, 2,984 (9.0%) Asians or Pacific Islanders, and 4,780 (14.4%) Hispanics. The findings revealed significant disparities in incidence and mortality rates among different racial and ethnic groups, with Blacks demonstrated notably higher rates. Most diagnosed with pancreatic cancer were elderly,, mainly concentrated in 50-69 years old, patients under 50 had higher survival rate than other age groups. The number of male patients was higher than that of female, with 52.5% of males and 47.4% of females. However, gender-based survival differences in patients under 50 were insignificant. Conclusion: The study revealed significant differences in incidence and survival rate among patients. These findings are important to further understand the factors that affect pancreatic cancer, and enhance the monitoring of people at high risk.