Lung Cancer and PE Mortality Rates Rose Since 1999
A study of national death records found that mortality rates for lung cancer with pulmonary embolism increased significantly.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Asthma
Live Poll
Are survival rates for serious illnesses like cancer generally getting better in this country?
Between 1999 and 2023, researchers recorded 59,727 deaths in the United States involving both lung cancer and pulmonary embolism. The age-adjusted mortality rate rose from 8.02 to 12.49 per million residents over this period.
Why it matters
Understanding the rising mortality associated with these concurrent conditions highlights a critical need to better integrate pulmonary embolism risk assessments into cancer care. This data provides evidence that these complications remain a significant burden on patient outcomes.
Researchers calculated an average annual mortality increase of 1.87% across the study period. In 2023, the rate reached 18.24 per million for non-Hispanic Black individuals, compared to 6.43 per million for Asian/Pacific Islanders.
The players
CDC WONDER
This is a public health database maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that provides access to a wide array of public health data and research.
The details
The analysis utilized ICD-10 codes from the CDC WONDER database to track the intersection of these two conditions. Women accounted for 54.1% of these deaths, while men accounted for 45.9%.
Timeline
From 1999 to 2023, the study analyzed mortality data for lung cancer and pulmonary embolism.
Mortality rates grew from 8.02 to 10 per million between 1999 and 2005.
Data showed a period of stabilization at approximately 10 per million from 2006 to 2016.
Rates increased from 10.5 to 12.49 per million between 2016 and 2023.
The final year of data collection for this retrospective study was 2023.
The Big Picture
This study follows standardized classification patterns established by the ICD-10 coding system to identify cause-of-death trends. The research utilizes the systematic framework of the ICD-10 coding system to accurately aggregate mortality statistics across the two-decade period.
Patients diagnosed with lung cancer should consult their medical providers about individual risk factors for pulmonary embolism. Early screening and awareness may help improve outcomes and safety during the course of oncology treatment.
The takeaway
These findings underscore the necessity of proactive screening and risk assessment for patients managing both lung cancer and clotting risks. Increased clinical focus on these complications can help healthcare providers address the rising mortality rates observed in recent years.
Further reading
For additional context on respiratory health, visit the Asthma section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medscape.
Live Poll
Are survival rates for serious illnesses like cancer generally getting better in this country?
