Lung Cancer and PE Mortality Rates Rose Since 1999
Researchers analyzed trends in deaths involving both conditions to better understand long-term risk for patients.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Asthma
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Between 1999 and 2023, there were 59,727 deaths attributed to the combination of lung cancer and pulmonary embolism in the United States. During this period, the age-adjusted mortality rate climbed from 8.02 to 12.49 per million.
Why it matters
Understanding these mortality trends helps physicians identify the need for more robust risk assessment. Integrating specific screening for pulmonary embolism into existing lung cancer care pathways may improve patient safety.
A retrospective study of the CDC WONDER database tracked 59,727 deaths over 24 years, finding that age-adjusted mortality rates rose at an average annual percentage change of 1.87%. While rates stabilized between 2006 and 2016, they subsequently increased.
The players
CDC
The national public health agency that maintains the WONDER database used to track cause-of-death statistics.
The details
Researchers utilized ICD-10 codes to identify deaths where both lung cancer and pulmonary embolism were listed as underlying or contributing causes. The analysis used regression models to quantify mortality shifts across the study period. Because lung cancer patients already face hypercoagulable states, these findings highlight the necessity of incorporating embolism risk assessment into standard interventional oncology workflows.
Timeline
1999-2023: Study period for lung cancer and PE mortality data.
1999-2005: Mortality rates increased from 8.02 to 10 per million.
2006-2016: Mortality rates stabilized at approximately 10 per million.
2016-2023: Mortality rates rose from 10.5 to 12.49 per million.
2023: Final year of study data collection.
Health Landscape
This retrospective analysis utilizes the CDC WONDER database to establish a long-term mortality trend for patients managing lung cancer alongside vascular complications. The results highlight a growing need to align oncology protocols with advanced pulmonary embolism prevention strategies.
Patients diagnosed with lung cancer should discuss their individual risk for blood clots with their oncology team. It is worth asking a physician how embolism risk assessment is currently incorporated into your specific treatment plan.
The takeaway
The data shows that deaths involving both lung cancer and pulmonary embolism have trended upward since 1999. If you are currently in treatment for lung cancer, consult your care team about active screening or preventive measures for blood clots.
Further reading
For more on managing complex respiratory and lung health, see the Asthma section.
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