Hodgkin lymphoma: Epidemiological analysis of mortality in Chile between 2012 and 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Hodgkin's lymphoma is a malignant neoplasm of the lymphatic system, characterized by the clonal proliferation of atypical lymphoid cells. Objective: To determine the mortality rate due to Hodgkin's lymphoma in Chile during the period 2012 to 2022. Method: An observational, descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was conducted. All deaths due to Hodgkin's lymphoma (ICD-10 code C81) recorded in Chile between 2012 and 2022 were analyzed, based on official data from the Department of Health Statistics and Information. The following variables were considered: cause of death, sex, age, and region of residence. Mortality rates were calculated using population projections from the National Institute of Statistics. Result: A total of 545 Hodgkin's lymphoma-related deaths were registered, with an average mortality rate of 0,37 per 100.000 inhabitants. Mortality was higher in men (0,40) than in women (0,34). The highest mortality rate was observed in older adults (65 years or older), reaching 1,36 per 100,000 inhabitants. Regionally, La Araucanía reported the highest mortality rate (0,45), while Atacama and Tarapacá showed the lowest rates. Discussion: Despite therapeutic advances improving Hodgkin's lymphoma prognosis, a sustained reduction in mortality has not been observed in Chile. The disparities by sex, age, and region reveal inequities in access to early diagnosis, timely treatment, and long-term follow-up, particularly among older adults and residents of southern regions. Conclusion: Significant health gaps persist regarding Hodgkin's lymphoma control in Chile. Strengthening public health policies is essential to ensure equitable access to early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.