Breast Cancer in Jamaica: Trends From 2010 to 2014—Is Mortality Increasing?

PURPOSE: This study sought to provide a detailed analysis of breast cancer–specific mortality in Jamaica on the basis of reported deaths between 2010 and 2014. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done to analyze breast cancer–specific mortality data from the Registrar General’s Department, the statutory body responsible for registering all deaths across Jamaica. RESULTS: A total of 1,634 breast cancer–related deaths were documented among Jamaican women between 2010 and 2014, which accounted for 24% of all female cancer deaths. The age-standardized breast cancer mortality rate increased from 21.8 per 100,000 in 2010 to 28 per 100,000 in 2014 for the total female population. The overall difference in breast cancer mortality rates between the 2014 and 2010 rates was not statistically significant (P = .114). Analysis of the year-by-year trend reflected by the annual percentage of change did show, however, a statistically significant increasing trend in breast cancer mortality (P = .028). Mortality rates varied by age, with statistically significant annual increases observed in the 35-44–, 65-74–, and ≥ 75-year age groups (P = .04, .03, and .01, respectively). CONCLUSION: Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death among Jamaican women. Despite global advances in breast cancer screening and management, breast cancer remains a major public health challenge and represents a public health priority in Jamaica. The increasing breast cancer–specific mortality in Jamaica over the 5-year period contrasts with decreasing mortality rates among US women with breast cancer. This study highlights the critical need to address the implementation of a national organized breast cancer screening program in Jamaica and to focus future research efforts on the biology of breast cancer, especially among young Jamaican women.