Trends in Leukemia Mortality in Chile (2002–2022): An Epidemiological Approach

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for 1.4 million deaths in 2022. Among hematological neoplasms, leukemia stands out due to its impact on morbidity and mortality. It originates from genetic mutations that induce uncontrolled clonal proliferation, invading the bone marrow and releasing immature cells into the bloodstream, potentially affecting multiple organs. It is classified as either acute or chronic, and as lymphocytic or myeloid. In Chile, its incidence is 5.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Despite GES coverage and therapeutic advances, there are still gaps in the epidemiological characterization of its impact. Objective: To describe leukemia mortality in Chile during the period 2002–2022. Methodology: Ecological observational study. Data were obtained from DEIS-MINSAL (ICD-10 codes: C91 and C95). Results: A total of 14,592 leukemia-related deaths were recorded. Men (52.7%) died more frequently than women (47.3%). Individuals aged 65 and older accounted for 52.5% of deaths over the 20-year analysis period. Discussion: The results are consistent with international literature: men die more frequently from leukemia than women, and it primarily affects older adults (65+ years) and people in the productive stages of life (45–64 years). Conclusion: Leukemia mortality in Chile shows a growing and sustained trend. The absence of atypical fluctuations in the data reinforces the need for public health actions focused on continuous surveillance, strengthening early diagnosis, and ensuring equitable access to treatment.