Bladder Cancer Mortality Trend in Montenegro: 1990-2021

Mirjana M  Nedovic Vukovic; Zoran S  Terzic; Mileta M  Golubovic; Milos D  Bojic; Marko M  Vukovic

doi:10.18502/ijph.v54i2.17912

Mirjana M Nedovic Vukovic Center for Health System Evidence and Research in Public Health, Institute of Public Health of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
Zoran S Terzic Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
Mileta M Golubovic Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
Milos D Bojic Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
Marko M Vukovic Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v54i2.17912

Keywords: Bladder cancer; Mortality; Trend; Montenegro

Abstract

Background: Bladder cancer accounts for more than 200,000 deaths annually on a global level, with an age-standardized mortality rate of 2.9 per 100,000 individuals. Despite declining global rates, it remains a substantial public health burden. We aimed to analyze the mortality trend of bladder cancer in Montenegro and identify the measures taken to combat this tumor.

Methods: Bladder cancer mortality data in Montenegro from 1990 to 2021 were collected. Mortality rates were age-standardized to the World Standard Population. The joinpoint, linear and Poisson regressions were used to assess bladder cancer mortality trend.

Results: There was a consistent increase in mortality rates due to bladder cancer, with statistical significance for both the overall population and specifically for males, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 1.5% (95% CI: 1.5 (0.5-2.9)) and 1.6% (AAPC (95% CI): 1.6 (0.4-3.3)) respectively. Additionally, there was a notable annual increase in the number of bladder cancer cases: average annual increase was 3.4% for the overall population, 3.5% in male and 2.9% in female, with statistical parameters (AAPC (95% CI), P-value) for join point regression: 3.4 (2.4-4.8), <0.001; 3.5 (2.3-5.1), 0.003; and 2.9 (1.2-5.1), 0.004, respectively. The majority of bladder cancer deaths occurred in the age groups of 65-74 (35.8%), 75-84 (33.6%), and 55-64 (16.8%).

Conclusion: The ongoing increase in bladder cancer mortality in Montenegro, particularly among men and elderly should encourage policymakers to take action to reverse this unfavorable trend.