Cancer Epidemiology[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Comment on "Association between blood cholesterol profile and risk of lung cancer: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies".
Katkuri SN, Khan Z, Thakkar R … +2 more , Dhyani A, Srinivasan H
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41564736 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Unicentric retrospective study of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Updated epidemiological insights.
Asmar C, Asmar R, Al Rachid M … +4 more , Kesrouani C, Trak-Smayra V, Kourié HR, Gharios J
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41547118 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare tumors, making up 0.5 % of all cancers, with around 65 % found in the gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) system, with increasing occurrence globally in recent years. The Wor...
BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare tumors, making up 0.5 % of all cancers, with around 65 % found in the gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) system, with increasing occurrence globally in recent years. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies GEP-NENs into two main groups: neuroendocrine tumors and neuroendocrine carcinomas according to the new 2022 classification. AIM: To provide updated epidemiological data on GEP-NENs diagnosed at a tertiary referral center in Beirut, Lebanon, using the WHO 2022 classification, and to describe changes in incidence, demographics, and tumor characteristics compared with previously reported data. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients treated at Hotel Dieu de France, from January 2013 to June 2024, with histologically confirmed GEP-NENs and complete medical records available. GEP-NENs were categorized based on their primary site and pathology reports reanalyzed according to the WHO 2022 classification. Data were then collected on patient demographics, primary tumor site, tumor grade and presence of metastasis at diagnosis. RESULTS: Among 194 NENs diagnosed during the study period, 74 were GEP-NENs (25.2 %). The mean age at diagnosis was 59.8 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.61. Of patients with available grading data, 39.0 % were classified as NET G1, 34.4 % as NET G2, and 26.6 % as high-grade disease (NET G3 and NEC combined). Compared with data from the previous decade, a lower proportion of G1 tumors and higher proportions of G2 and G3 tumors were observed, along with higher frequencies of pancreatic and hepatic primaries and lower rates of colonic and duodenal primaries. NET G3 and NECs were most frequently located in the liver, ampulla of Vater, and colon. All colorectal GEP-NENs identified were metastatic at diagnosis. CONCLUSION: GEP-NENs in this cohort were more frequently diagnosed with higher histological grades and metastatic disease compared to the previous decade, a pattern observed during a period marked by major socioeconomic disruption and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Risk score development for pancreatic cancer in Chinese men: A population-based cohort study.
Cai J, Chen H, Zhang Y … +5 more , Lu B, Lu M, Luo C, You L, Dai M
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41547117 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant tumor without effective screening methods in the general population. This study aimed to develop a PC risk score to identify men at high risk for PC for early interventio...
BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignant tumor without effective screening methods in the general population. This study aimed to develop a PC risk score to identify men at high risk for PC for early intervention. METHODS: Based on a prospective cohort study conducted in China in 2006, 90,402 men with at least two fasting blood glucose (FBG) measurements were included in this study. The PC risk model was developed using Cox regression, including the risk factors for age, total cholesterol, FBG and body mass index (BMI) change rate. The power of discrimination was examined using Harrell's C-index and time-dependent area under curves (AUCs). RESULTS: During the 10-year follow-up period, 82 men developed PC (total person-years: 821,346). Age, total cholesterol level, FBG and BMI change rate were included in the final PC risk model, with a C-index of 0.754 (95 % CI 0.709-0.799). After internal validation, the AUCs of the model in different years (2, 5, 8, and 10 years) were > 0.700 in all men and in men without diabetes. In the derived scoring system (score range:-2-10), there was an approximately 40 % increased risk (Hazard ratio, 1.415; 95 % CI, 1.291-1.550) with every 1-point increase. Participants with the top 20 % scores (6-10 points) had a 30-fold increased risk of PC compared with individuals in the lowest score group (-2 - -1 points). CONCLUSIONS: A scoring system for identifying high-risk men with PC was developed, which may be helpful for early detection and intervention of PC in the future.
Prostate cancer in Korea: Nationwide trends in prevalence and medication use during 2011-2021.
Jung J, Kang H, Choo E … +4 more , Kang HY, Jeong CW, Jeon HL, Lee H
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Apr · PMID 41547116 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: The incidence of prostate cancer (PC) is rapidly increasing with population aging. With the emergence of new androgen receptor-targeting agents beyond androgen deprivation therapy, the treatment paradigm fo...
INTRODUCTION: The incidence of prostate cancer (PC) is rapidly increasing with population aging. With the emergence of new androgen receptor-targeting agents beyond androgen deprivation therapy, the treatment paradigm for PC is expected to shift. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and treatment patterns of patients with PC in Korea over the past decade, with a particular focus on drug utilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prevalence-based cross-sectional study on all Korean patients who received medical care for PC between 2011 and 2021. Patient characteristics, including age, comorbidities, metastatic status, drug classes, and treatment patterns, were analyzed. RESULTS: In 2021, the prevalence of PC was 532 per 100,000 adult men, an increase of 170.45 %, from 220 per 100,000 adult men in 2011. The mean age of patients with PC in 2021 was 73.07 years, with more than 80 % aged 65 years or older. Comorbidities, such as diabetes, pulmonary diseases, and mild liver disease, were common. Androgen deprivation therapy remained the most common pharmacological treatment; however, the proportion of its use gradually decreased over time, and the introduction of androgen receptor-targeting agents led to a steady increase in their use. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides real-world evidence of the epidemiology and therapeutic patterns of PC, thereby enhancing the understanding of the current clinical landscape in Korea.
Associations between insulin-like growth factor 1, IGF-binding protein 3, and colorectal cancer.
Lawler T, Walts ZL, Giurini L … +3 more , Steinwandel M, Zheng W, Warren Andersen S
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41512542 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Higher serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) has been linked to colorectal cancer (CRC), with evidence supporting increased risk for colon but not rectal tumors. Few studies have included substantial num...
BACKGROUND: Higher serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) has been linked to colorectal cancer (CRC), with evidence supporting increased risk for colon but not rectal tumors. Few studies have included substantial numbers of non-Hispanic Black individuals, who have elevated population-level CRC risk. We investigated associations between IGF-1 and CRC in the Southern Community Cohort Study. We also report associations with IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), the primary IGF-1 transporter, and the IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio (a surrogate marker for biologically available IGF-1). METHODS: Participants with incident CRC (N = 297) were individually matched with controls (N = 604) on age, race, and sex. The majority of the cohort reports Black racial identity (75 %). Serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were measured at enrollment. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for CRC, colon and rectal cancers. RESULTS: For higher IGF-1 (tertile 3vs1), the OR for CRC was 1.45 (CI 0.95-2.21). Higher IGF-1 was associated with greater odds for colon cancer (OR 1.64, CI 1.01-2.64) but not rectal cancer (OR 0.93, CI 0.43-1.97). The associations with CRC and colon cancer were consistent among participants who fasted prior to serum draw (N = 356, CRC: OR 1.89, CI 0.95-3.78; colon cancer: OR 2.08, CI 0.96-4.51). No associations were observed for IGFBP-3 or the IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio in the full sample. CONCLUSION: Higher IGF-1 was associated with increased odds for colon cancer, but not rectal cancer, among predominantly non-Hispanic Black individuals with lower socioeconomic status, consistent with findings from predominantly non-Hispanic White cohorts.
Early-life tobacco exposure, genetic susceptibility and incident colorectal cancer risk in UK biobank: A prospective cohort analysis.
Long Y, Zhu Y, Lin M … +11 more , Li Q, Liang J, Wang C, Zeng R, Luo D, Zhang L, Ma Y, Duan C, Zhu Y, Chen H, Liu J
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41485407 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Although tobacco exposure is an established risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), the specific impact of early-life exposure (from prenatal to adolescence) and its joints with genetic susceptibility remain...
BACKGROUND: Although tobacco exposure is an established risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), the specific impact of early-life exposure (from prenatal to adolescence) and its joints with genetic susceptibility remains uncertain. This population-based study aimed to investigate the joint effects of early-life tobacco exposure and polygenic risk on CRC. METHODS: Data from UK Biobank participants were analyzed to assess tobacco exposure during two periods: prenatal exposure (n = 429,847) and age of smoking initiation (n = 430,672). Using Cox proportional hazards models, the associations between early-life tobacco exposure and CRC incidence were explored. Additionally, we evaluated the mediating role of accelerated biological aging in the link between early-life tobacco exposure and CRC, and further integrated the polygenic risk score (PRS) to assess the joint effects of genetic on CRC risk. RESULTS: Early-life tobacco exposure exhibited age-at-initiation-dependent CRC risk associations. Smoking initiation in adolescence [hazard ratios (HR) = 1.13, 95 % confidence intervals (CI): 1.06-1.22], and adulthood (HR = 1.19, 95 % CI: 1.10-1.30) all significantly increased risk (P < 0.001), while in utero exposure and smoking initiation childhood (HR:1.06, 95 % CI: 0.94-1.19, P = 0.372) showed a suggestive but non-significant trend (HR:1.05, 95 % CI: 1.00-1.11, P = 0.066). In the joint analysis, high-PRS individuals with prenatal tobacco exposure had an elevated CRC risk compared to those with low PRS and no exposure (HR 1.28, 95 % CI: 1.16-1.42, P < 0.001). Furthermore, among high-PRS individuals, smoking initiation at any age (childhood, adolescence, or adulthood) increased CRC risk relative to never-smokers with low PRS. Mediation analysis indicated that accelerated biological aging may contribute to the association between smoking initiation at different ages and increased CRC risk. CONCLUSION: Early-life tobacco exposure elevated CRC risk, especially in genetically susceptible individuals. These findings underscored the importance of early tobacco prevention and enhanced screening for high genetic-risk populations.
Factors associated with long COVID among cancer survivors: A population-based analysis.
Case SJ, Sabik L, Grant H
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41485406 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Cancer survivors endure unique immune system suppression as a result of their cancer treatment, potentially making them susceptible to long COVID in ways that differ from the general population. The purpose...
INTRODUCTION: Cancer survivors endure unique immune system suppression as a result of their cancer treatment, potentially making them susceptible to long COVID in ways that differ from the general population. The purpose of this study is to assess what factors are associated with long COVID among cancer survivors. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional data from the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey were analyzed. The main outcome of interest was the prevalence of long COVID among cancer survivors who had tested positive for COVID-19. Bivariate analyses were conducted comparing those who did and did not have long COVID, and logistic regression models were used to determine the sociodemographic variables and individual health factors associated with long COVID among cancer survivors. RESULTS: In this sample, 15.2 % of cancer survivors who had tested positive for COVID-19 indicated they had long COVID. Cancer survivors who were male, older, received flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, and did not have diabetes or asthma had significantly lower odds of having long COVID. CONCLUSION: This study provides insight into what sociodemographic and health-related factors are associated with the presence of long COVID, including age, sex, vaccination status, and comorbid conditions. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to establish causal patterns.
The effect of metformin exposure on colorectal cancer incidence according to tumor sidedness.
Peerless Y, Strauss G, Margalit O … +3 more , Shacham-Shmueli E, Yang YX, Boursi B
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41456465 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Tumor sidedness influences treatment decisions for metastatic disease due to differences in biology and therapeutic response...
BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Tumor sidedness influences treatment decisions for metastatic disease due to differences in biology and therapeutic response. Metformin, an anti-diabetic medication, may reduce CRC risk. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between metformin exposure and CRC risk based on tumor-sidedness. METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted using the Veterans Administration (VA) database (1999-2020). The cohort included individuals with diabetes mellitus and at least 3 years of follow-up. CRC cases were identified and classified by tumor sidedness. Controls were selected via incidence-density sampling, matched on age, sex, index-date, and first VA encounter. Exposure of interest was cumulative metformin use prior to the index-date. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds-ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). The analysis was adjusted for race, BMI, smoking, aspirin, statins, and other anti-diabetic medications. RESULTS: The study included 31,078 CRC cases and 310,621 matched controls among diabetic individuals. Metformin exposure showed no effect on right-sided CRC incidence (adjusted OR 1.03, 95 %CI 0.92-1.16 for 1-3 years; 0.96, 95 %CI 0.83-1.12 for 3-5 years). In contrast, in patients with left-sided CRC metformin use was associated with a reduced risk of CRC (adjusted OR 0.90, 95 %CI 0.82-0.98 for 1-3 years; 0.87, 95 %CI 0.77-0.98 for 3-5 years). CONCLUSIONS: Metformin was associated with a decrease in the incidence of left-sided CRC. These results suggest the influence of tumor sidedness, not only on treatment effect, but on prevention strategies as well.
Liver and gastric cancer incidence and mortality in Non-Western immigrant men and women: a register-based cohort study from 2000 to 2017.
Abdul Khaliq A, Lamminmäki MH, Heinävaara SH … +1 more , Sarkeala TM
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41447993 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Geographical variations in health reflect differences in environments, lifestyles, and healthcare access. Notably, non-Western countries exhibit higher rates of infection-related cancers such as liver and g...
INTRODUCTION: Geographical variations in health reflect differences in environments, lifestyles, and healthcare access. Notably, non-Western countries exhibit higher rates of infection-related cancers such as liver and gastric cancers, compared to Western countries. This study compares sex-specific incidence and mortality of liver and gastric cancers in non-Western immigrants with those of the native Finnish population. We also assess how region of birth, age at immigration, and duration of residence influence liver and gastric cancer incidence and mortality among non-Western population. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We analysed data from 162,844 non-Western immigrant men and 161,090 women residing in Finland from 1973 to 2017. Liver and gastric cancer diagnoses and causes of death from 2000 to 2017 were linked from national registries. We assessed cancer risks using a multivariate Poisson regression model, adjusting for age group, calendar period, and region of birth. RESULTS: Non-Western immigrant men had higher liver cancer incidence (Relative risk (IRR) 1.41, 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) 1.13-1.78) and mortality (MRR 1.50, CI 1.16-1.94), and higher gastric cancer incidence (IRR 1.74, CI 1.46-2.06) and mortality (MRR 1.74, CI 1.42-2.14) than native men. Among non-Western immigrant women, only gastric cancer showed increased incidence (IRR 2.21, 95 % CI 1.88-2.60) and mortality (MRR 2.22, 95 % CI 1.83-2.70). Age at immigration did not impact risk levels.Prolonged duration of residence decreased the risk of gastric cancer in non-Western women, whereas in men the risk remained elevated. DISCUSSION: The increased cancer risk among non-Western immigrants may stem from greater exposure to infections such as hepatitis B and C and H. pylori, prevalent in their countries of origin. Cultural adaptation and lifestyle changes, particularly in alcohol and tobacco use, also play a role. CONCLUSION: Targeted healthcare measures, including early diagnosis and lifestyle interventions, are crucial for reducing cancer risks among non-Western immigrants in Finland. Addressing language and cultural barriers is essential for effective healthcare and for reducing health disparities.
Ambient air pollution and laryngeal cancer: A systematic review.
Soopramanien J, Mittal S, Jadeja K … +3 more , Soni L, Saghir S, Mannan F
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41442908 · Publisher ↗
Ambient air pollution is a major global health concern, yet its association with laryngeal cancer remains poorly defined. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the relationship between long-term exposure to outdoor ai...
Ambient air pollution is a major global health concern, yet its association with laryngeal cancer remains poorly defined. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the relationship between long-term exposure to outdoor air pollutants and incidence of laryngeal cancer. Comprehensive searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and SCOPUS were conducted from inception to 01/06/2024. Eligible studies included observational and ecological designs reporting quantitative associations between ambient pollutants and laryngeal cancer incidence. Study quality, risk of bias, and evidence certainty graded were appraised using the NIH tool, National Toxicology Program framework and GRADE approach respectively. A total of nine studies (4 ecological, 5 cohort) comprising over 7.4 million participants were included. Each pollutant was analysed by a maximum of 3 studies. Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) demonstrated the most consistent association with laryngeal cancer, with hazard ratios between 1.18 and 1.24 per 10 μg/m³ increase. One large cohort reported a significant relationship between particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM₂.₅) and laryngeal cancer (HR 1.85; 95 % CI: 1.2-2.85), while findings across other pollutants, including PM₁₀, SO₂, O₃, CO, and NOₓ, were inconsistent. Although data remain limited, emerging evidence suggests that chronic exposure to ambient NO₂ and PM₂.₅ may increase laryngeal cancer risk. Future large-scale prospective cohort studies with standardized exposure metrics and robust confounding control are needed to better characterise this relationship. Natural experiments in regions undergoing major air-quality policy changes can provide valuable evidence on the impact of reducing exposure on laryngeal cancer incidence at a population level.
Socioeconomic inequalities in prostate cancer mortality: Response to recent commentary.
Hajizadeh M, Johnston G
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41423355 · Publisher ↗
This document is the authors' response to the received comments for manuscript CANEP-D-25-00363.
This document is the authors' response to the received comments for manuscript CANEP-D-25-00363.
Cancer in the oldest old.
Jean C, Bastiaannet E, Schiaffino MK … +2 more , Pilleron S, Canouï-Poitrine F
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41418491 · Publisher ↗
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Impact of gastrointestinal bleeding on hospital outcomes in hematologic malignancies: A nationwide cross-sectional study.
Jain P, Qazi I, Thompson J … +3 more , Ganatra N, Patel S, Anwar J
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41411900 · Publisher ↗
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a frequent cause of hospitalizations and is linked to greater inpatient morbidity, especially among cancer patients. Despite being a recognized complication in patients with hematologic...
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a frequent cause of hospitalizations and is linked to greater inpatient morbidity, especially among cancer patients. Despite being a recognized complication in patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs), its impact on hospitalization outcomes and healthcare utilization in HM patients is poorly defined. To evaluate the association between GI bleeding and key hospital outcomes, including mortality, length of stay (LOS), and hospitalization costs among adults admitted with HMs, this retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2018 to 2022. Multivariable models were fitted using survey-weighted logistic regression for mortality and Poisson regression with a log link for LOS and charges, adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs), with corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Among an estimated 2.9 million weighted hospitalizations with HMs, approximately 13 % were complicated by GI bleeding, which were characterized by higher mortality, longer LOS, and greater healthcare costs. In adjusted models, GI bleeding was associated with higher odds of in-hospital death (aOR: 1.22, 95 % CI: 1.18-1.26) as well as increased LOS (aIRR: 1.36, 95 % CI: 1.34-1.38) and higher hospitalization costs (aIRR: 1.40, 95 % CI: 1.37-1.43). This study's findings indicate that GI bleeding in patients with HMs is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes, including increased mortality and resource utilization. These findings highlight the need for early recognition, risk stratification, and proactive management strategies to mitigate the clinical and economic burden of bleeding in this high-risk population.
Humidifier disinfectant exposure and lung cancer development: A propensity score matching analysis.
Kim SH, Kang S, Shin S … +9 more , Hwang JI, Lim H, Lee DW, Lee W, Ha KH, Lee Y, Kim T, Kim HJ, Kim KN
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41411899 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Although previous animal studies suggest an association between humidifier disinfectant (HD) exposure and lung cancer, epidemiological evidence remains limited. METHODOLOGY: Nationwide data from the National...
BACKGROUND: Although previous animal studies suggest an association between humidifier disinfectant (HD) exposure and lung cancer, epidemiological evidence remains limited. METHODOLOGY: Nationwide data from the National Health Insurance Service and survey data on the HD claimant group were used. A 1:30 propensity score matching was conducted between the HD claimant (n = 4567) and non-exposed groups (n = 153,071). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, incorporating a 4-year latency period. RESULTS: After matching, the incidence of lung cancer was 2.58 % in the HD claimant group and 0.55 % in the non-exposed group. In the Cox models, the HR for lung cancer in the HD claimant group was 5.71 (95 % CI: 4.70, 6.92) compared with the non-exposed group. Stratified analyses showed an HR of 12.61 (95 % CI: 8.94, 17.79) among women and 4.31 (95 % CI: 3.40, 5.47) among men. The associations also persisted in never-smokers, with an HR of 4.33 (95 % CI: 2.26, 8.30). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to HDs was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer development. Combined with in vivo and in vitro studies reporting similar associations and plausible mechanisms, the present study supports the potential carcinogenic effects of HDs on lung cancer.
Prostate cancer screening: Cancer mortality and opportunistic screening.
Takahashi T
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41407576 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Understanding female breast cancer risk in the Indian population: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Vijayakumar S, Ramamoorthy T, George AD … +1 more , Nath A
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41406686 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer incidence in India is expected to rise by about 5.6 % annually, translating to an estimated increase of 0.05 million new cases per year. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investiga...
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer incidence in India is expected to rise by about 5.6 % annually, translating to an estimated increase of 0.05 million new cases per year. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate the influence of India's unique context on breast cancer risk by identifying and synthesising population-specific risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search across the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases up to December 22, 2024. Observational studies assessing breast cancer risk factors among Indian women were included, and quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model estimated pooled associations between key risk factors and breast cancer. RESULTS: Among the 1871 articles identified, 31 studies met the inclusion criteria of which case-control studies were of moderate to high quality. The meta-analysis revealed significant positive associations with breast cancer risk for late menopause (age >50 years), delayed first pregnancy or childbirth (age >30 years), multiple abortions, higher age at marriage, increased waist-to-hip ratio (≥0.85), and family history of cancer, particularly breast cancer. Among lifestyle factors, poor sleep quality, irregular sleep patterns, sleeping in a lighted room, and elevated stress levels were also positively associated with risk in individual studies. In contrast, higher levels of physical activity showed an inverse association. CONCLUSIONS: Reproductive timing, hormonal exposure, central obesity, and family history influence breast cancer risk primarily among Indian women. In conclusion, the review highlights the critical need for large, extensive, population-based prospective cohort studies in India to define breast cancer prevention and early detection strategies with greater precision.
Etiologic profile and prognostic patterns of hepatocellular carcinoma in a Southern European population - Madeira, Portugal: Insight into a preventable cancer.
Berenguer PH, Fraga C, Müller S … +6 more , Serrão P, Camacho C, Silva L, Ladeira N, Pinheiro PS, Sales C
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41389645 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Liver cancer is the sixth most common and third deadliest cancer worldwide. In Portugal, it remains highly lethal, with 1740 new cases and 1611 deaths estimated in 2022. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the...
BACKGROUND: Liver cancer is the sixth most common and third deadliest cancer worldwide. In Portugal, it remains highly lethal, with 1740 new cases and 1611 deaths estimated in 2022. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main histological type and exhibits variation in risk factors and outcomes. Unlike many malignancies, HCC arises predominantly in chronically diseased tissues and is largely attributable to four modifiable etiologies: hepatitis B (HBV) and C viruses (HCV), alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study aimed to characterize HCC etiology-specific incidence and prognostic patterns in the Madeira islands, Portugal. METHODS: All HCC cases diagnosed between 2010 and 2023 were identified through the Madeira Cancer Registry. Etiologies and risk factors were assigned using clinical records, serological markers, and ICD-coded discharge data. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) were computed using the world and the 2000 U.S. standard population. Survival outcomes were assessed with Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Among 240 HCC cases, the leading etiology was ALD (50.0 %), followed by MASLD (17.1 %), HBV (16.5 %), and HCV (11.9 %). Male incidence was nearly 8-fold higher than female incidence (ASIR: 6.9 vs. 0.9 per 100,000), with ALD dominating among men and MASLD among women. No significant temporal change in HCC incidence was observed. Most patients (63.8 %) were diagnosed at advanced stages. The age-adjusted 5-year survival was 5.6 %, and median survival was 6 months. Cancer stage was the strongest prognostic factor, while HCC etiology was not independently associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: HCC in Madeira presents a distinct etiologic and prognostic pattern, marked by a high ALD burden among men, a MASLD burden among women, and poor survival due to late-stage diagnosis. These findings highlight the urgency of expanding liver cancer surveillance, integrating metabolic risk management, and targeting alcohol misuse through population-level interventions, especially among males and older patients.
Population-based trends in gastrointestinal cancer incidence and mortality in New Zealand: A 11-year analysis.
Shanika LGT, Turner R, Pattison S … +1 more , Braund R
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41349298 · Publisher ↗
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a major contributor to the global cancer burden. However, no previous study has examined incidence and mortality across all GI cancer sites within a population, stratified by sex, ethnic...
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a major contributor to the global cancer burden. However, no previous study has examined incidence and mortality across all GI cancer sites within a population, stratified by sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. This retrospective, population-based study aimed to address this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of GI cancer incidence and mortality in New Zealand (NZ) from 2009 to 2019 and examining patterns across demographic subgroups. GI cancer cases (ICD-10-AM C15-C26) were identified from the NZ Cancer Registry and linked to the Mortality Collection to assess mortality. Baseline demographics were summarised, and age-standardised incidence and GI cancer-specific mortality rates were calculated. A total of 57,707 GI cancers were diagnosed in 55,611 individuals. The mean age at diagnosis and death were 69.9 (SD: 13.4) and 73.9 (SD: 12.9), respectively. Of those diagnosed with GI cancer, 54.4 % were male. Incidence trends varied by cancer site: small intestinal cancer increased annually (3 % in males, 4 % in females), while stomach and colorectal cancer incidence declined modestly for both sexes. GI cancer mortality declined significantly across all sites (males: RR=0.92;95 %CI:0.88,0.96;p = 0.002); females: RR= 0.91;95 %CI:0.87,0.96; p = 0.002). Māori and Pacific peoples had the highest incidence and mortality rates for stomach (incidence: 13.2 and 14.2; mortality: 9.3 and 7.1 per 100,000) and liver/biliary tract cancers (incidence: 14.1 and 18.1; mortality: 12.0 and 13.9 per 100,000). A clear socioeconomic gradient was observed, with higher incidence and mortality in the most deprived areas. This study reveals clear disparities in GI cancer incidence and mortality across sex, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups in NZ. These patterns highlight the importance of tailoring cancer prevention and early detection efforts to ensure they reach the communities most affected. A stronger focus on equity is needed, not just in NZ, but also in other settings where similar gaps in cancer outcomes persist.
Cancer screening knowledge and health literacy among rural women Aged 30-69.
Akalın K, Çiçek Gümüş E, Dolu İ
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41343900 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: High participation rates are essential for the success of cancer screening programs; however, sustaining consistent engagement is a persistent challenge, especially in rural populations. To investigate the he...
BACKGROUND: High participation rates are essential for the success of cancer screening programs; however, sustaining consistent engagement is a persistent challenge, especially in rural populations. To investigate the health literacy and cancer screening knowledge levels of women aged 30-69 living in rural areas who are eligible for at least one type of cancer screening, and to identify factors associated with cancer-related knowledge. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 365 rural women aged 30-69 years who attended a Central Public Health Center between February and August 2025, in a province located in the northwestern region of Türkiye. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire, the Knowledge Scale for Cancer Screening, and the Turkiye Health Literacy Scale-32, and analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression RESULTS: Overall, 81.1 % of participants reported having undergone breast cancer screening, 59.7 % cervical cancer screening, and 50.0 % colorectal cancer screening. According to the linear regression analysis, a history of cervical cancer screening (β=0.243; t(10) = 3.235; p = 0.001) and scores on the TSOY-32 subscale for disease prevention and health promotion (β=0.202; t(10) = 2.372; p = 0.018) were significant predictors of cancer screening knowledge. CONCLUSION: Our study identifies potential factors that may enhance knowledge of cancer screening, which in turn could contribute to increasing the uptake of cancer screening tests. The most significant indicators were high level of health literacy related to disease prevention and health promotion as well as a previous experience with cervical cancer screening. These factors should be considered in the development of targeted interventions to increase cancer screening participation among women in rural settings.
Burden and determinants of benign prostate hyperplasia in Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Seid K, Goshu AT, Lorato SS … +13 more , Desalegn M, Gelaw KA, Ashebir YG, Getahun OK, Lakew G, Gemmechu MM, Tiruneh TM, Atalay YA, Yirsaw AN, Bogale EK, Gebeyehu NA, Tekoye TS, Getahun GK
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41343899 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and determinants of benign prostate hyperplasia in Africa via a meta-analysis. METHODS: This report was presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review an...
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and determinants of benign prostate hyperplasia in Africa via a meta-analysis. METHODS: This report was presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses checklist. Thirteen articles were searched via PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and African Journal Online. Data were extracted via Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA 17 for analysis. The data were analyzed via the random effects model. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed by Cochran's Q test and I statistics. Publication bias was detected via funnel plots and Egger's test. RESULT: In 13 studies conducted in Africa, with a sample size of 5619 people between 2011 and 2024, the pooled prevalence of benign prostate hyperplasia was 44 % (95 % CI 31 %-57 %) in Africa. According to the subgroup analysis, the pooled prevalence was greater in studies published from 2011--2018 (56 % (95 % CI: 38--73)) than in those published from 2019--2024 (34 %). The pooled prevalence rates were also greater in those with sample sizes > 500 than in those with sample sizes < 500 (45 % vs 41 %). Family history of BPH (OR = 5.56; 95 % CI; 1.57, 9.55), difficulty in sexual activity (OR = 13.14; 95 % CI: 5.50, 20.77), use of traditional eye medication (OR = 2.27; 95 % CI: 1.68, 2.86), family history (OR = 4.93; 95 % CI: 3.13, 6.72) and inadequate sleeping time (OR = 2.90, 95 % CI = 2.25-3.55) were factors associated with benign prostate hyperplasia among adults. CONCLUSIONS: The pooled prevalence of BPH among adults living in Africa was significant. Family history, difficulty in sexual activity and inadequate sleeping time were significantly associated with benign prostate hyperplasia. The greater burden of BPH across the country calls for efforts by health policy makers to pay attention to it.
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