What Are the Leading Causes of Premature Death from Cancer?

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In 2015-2017, cancer was the leading cause of premature death to Sonoma County residents, responsible for over 17,400 years of potential life lost before age 75. Five types of cancer were responsible for about 44% of premature cancer death – lung cancer, female breast cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer (Appendix Tables C1-C2).

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer was the leading cause of premature death from cancer. The premature death rate from lung cancer was higher among Sonoma County men than women (128.5 YLPP-75 per 100,000 compared to 108.4 YPLL-75 per 100,000) and white, non-Hispanic residents had a significantly higher rate than Hispanic/Latino residents (114.4 YPLL-75 per 100,000 compared to 103.1 YPLL-75 per 100,000). From 2005-2007 to 2015-2017 the premature death rate from lung cancer decreased significantly.

Female Breast Cancer

In 2015-2017, female breast cancer was responsible for almost 2,000 years of life lost before age 75. Rates were similar for white, non-Hispanic and Hispanic/Latino women (233.8 YPLL-75 per 100,000 compared to 214.5 YPLL-75 per 100,000). The premature death rate from female breast cancer varied significantly from 2005-2007 to 2015-2017. Most recently, the rate decreased significantly from 2011-2013 to 2014-2016 then increased significantly from 2014-2016 to 2015-2017.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer was the third leading cause of premature death from cancer, responsible for 1,400 years of potential life lost before age 75. Premature death rates from colorectal cancer were similar for men and women (79.9 YPLL-75 per 100,000 compared to 74.3 YPLL-75 per 100,000) and for white, non-Hispanic and Hispanic/Latino residents (77.0 YPLL-75 per 100,000 compared to 73.6 YPLL-75 per 100,000). The premature death rate from colorectal cancer varied significantly from 2005-2007 to 2011-2013. From 2011-2013 to 2015-2017 the rate decreased by over 36% (from 120.5 YPLL-75 per 100,000 to 76.9 YPLL-75 per 100,000).

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer was responsible for more than 1,200 years of potential life lost before age 75. The premature death rate from pancreatic cancer was significantly higher among men than women (82.7 YPLL-75 per 100,000 compared to 38.1 YPLL-75 per 100,000). There was no significant difference in rates for white, non-Hispanic compared to Hispanic/Latino residents (61.0 YPLL-75 per 100,000 compared to 49.2 YPLL-75 per 100,000). From 2005-2007 to 2015-2017 there was no significant change in the premature death rate for pancreatic cancer.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer was responsible for 500 years of potential life lost before age 75. There was no significant difference in premature death rates from prostate cancer for white, non-Hispanic compared to Hispanic/Latino residents. From 2005-2007 to 2010-2012 the premature death rate for prostate cancer varied. From 2010-2012 to 2015-2017 the rate increased significantly from 37.0 YPLL-75 per 100,000 to 50.2 YPLL-75 per 100,000.