Cancer Epidemiology[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Long-term air pollution exposure and mortality outcomes in colorectal cancer patients: Evidence from a multicenter longitudinal study.
Wang CW, Lin P, Chen YC … +4 more , Luo YH, Wu CD, Li CC, Richard Lin CH
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41326253 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Limited evidence exists regarding the relationship between air pollution and all-cause mortality in colorectal cancer stratified by clinical stages. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, initiated in 2...
BACKGROUND: Limited evidence exists regarding the relationship between air pollution and all-cause mortality in colorectal cancer stratified by clinical stages. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, initiated in 2010, we included patients with pathologically confirmed colorectal carcinoma. Each participant's address was geocoded to the corresponding village/borough or township, for accurate matching with estimated air pollution concentrations. The risk of all-cause mortality was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: Our study enrolled 5126 colorectal cancer patients, with a median survival time of 72.0 months. Higher exposures were associated with greater all-cause mortality: PM₅ tertile 3 vs tertile 1-HR 1.32 (95 % CI 1.14-1.52) and SO₂ tertile 3 vs tertile 1-HR 1.22 (95 % CI 1.06-1.40). Stage-stratified results showed PM remained significant in stages 0-I (HR 1.62, 95 % CI 1.01-2.58) and III (HR 1.39, 95 % CI 1.11-1.73), whereas SO₂ was significant in stages II (HR 1.62, 95 % CI 1.03-2.53) and III (HR 1.34, 95 % CI 1.07-1.67). In multiplicative interactions, each unit increase in PM was linked to a 1 % higher hazard (HR = 1.01; 95 % CI, 1.01-1.02), and each unit increase in SO₂ to a 5 % higher hazard (HR = 1.05; 95 % CI, 1.04-1.05). When stage was included additively, the per-unit effects were larger-7 % for PM (HR = 1.07; 95 % CI, 1.05-1.10) and 14 % for SO₂ (HR = 1.14; 95 % CI, 1.11-1.17). Overall, pollutant levels and clinical stage jointly heightened all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated PM and SO exposures were significantly associated with higher all-cause mortality, with effect sizes varying by stage and generally stronger in stages 0-I and II-III. Clinical stage interacted both associations, and joint exposure-stage categories showed higher risks, underscoring the need to reduce pollution exposure in high-risk patients.
A clinical rule-based indicator to identify recurrence of colorectal cancer after curative resection using linked routinely collected national data.
Almilaji O, Sharples L, Aggarwal A … +10 more , Cromwell D, Horgan K, Braun M, Arnott R, Nossiter J, Kuryba A, Lewin A, Cowling T, Van Der Meulen J, Walker K
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41273877 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Cancer recurrence is under-recorded in most national cancer registries. We developed and validated a clinical rule-based indicator to identify recurrence after curative major resection in patients with non-me...
BACKGROUND: Cancer recurrence is under-recorded in most national cancer registries. We developed and validated a clinical rule-based indicator to identify recurrence after curative major resection in patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), based on national routinely collected administrative hospital records and chemotherapy and radiotherapy datasets. METHODS: Recurrence was defined as the cancer becoming clinically detectable again after a period of "remission" (nine months to five years after curative major resection). 34,984 CRC patients aged 18-75 years undergoing curative major resection for non-metastatic disease diagnosed between August 2014 and September 2019 in the English Cancer Registry were identified and linked to records of outpatient visits and admissions in English administrative hospital data and to chemotherapy and radiotherapy datasets. The indicator was developed with a panel of surgical and oncological experts, based on relevant diagnosis (ICD-10), procedure (OPCS-4), and administrative codes. RESULTS: Of the 34,984 patients, the indicator identified 6556 (18.7 %) as having recurrence. 6173 (94.2 %) of which could be identified using administrative hospital data of admitted patients alone. Recurrence was found in a greater proportion of rectal cancer patients, and in those with more advanced T stage and N stage, and higher cancer grade. Overall and recurrence-free five-year survival from surgery was 88.7 % and 77.4 %, respectively. Two-year overall survival after recurrence was 63.9 %. 135 (82.8 %) of the 163 patients who self-reported recurrence in a national patient experience survey, and 1412 (95.2 %) of the 1483 patients with reported recurrence/progression in Cancer Registry data had recurrence defined by the developed indicator. CONCLUSIONS: The validity of the CRC recurrence indicator was supported by observed associations with tumour characteristics, self-reported recurrence, and poor overall survival in patients with recurrence. This indicator can be used in research and service evaluation, to overcome the problem of incomplete cancer recurrence recording in most national cancer registries.
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers and ovarian cancer survival: the Ovarian cancer Prognosis And Lifestyle (OPAL) study.
Majidi A, Na R, Jordan SJ … +5 more , Ross TL, DeFazio A, Friedlander M, Grant P, Webb PM
Cancer Epidemiol · 2026 Feb · PMID 41270664 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: There is some evidence that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) might improve cancer survival, but reliable data for ovarian cancer are scarce. We evaluated t...
OBJECTIVE: There is some evidence that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) might improve cancer survival, but reliable data for ovarian cancer are scarce. We evaluated this using data from the prospective Ovarian cancer Prognosis and Lifestyle (OPAL) study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 954 Australian women diagnosed between 2012 and 2015 and considered pre-diagnosis and post-diagnosis medication use and ovarian cancer survival. We used Cox proportional hazard models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for all medication users and monotherapy users (those who used a single medication). We applied inverse probability of treatment weighting to further reduce confounding and estimated restricted mean survival time at 7 years (end of study). RESULTS: We observed a modest association between ARB use before or after diagnosis and progression-free and ovarian cancer-specific survival. Estimates were further from the null for post-diagnosis use ARB monotherapy, and when weighted for users (pre-diagnosis use aHR=0.71, 95 %CI: 0.51-0.98; post-diagnosis use aHR=0.60, 0.36-1.01 for ovarian cancer-specific survival). If real, this would translate to a 6-month increase in mean survival for ARB monotherapy. The associations were attenuated in models weighted for all women. There was little evidence of an association with ACE inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Further evaluation in larger cohorts is required to confirm these findings. If the observed associations are confirmed, ARBs may warrant consideration as a first line hypertension treatment for women with ovarian cancer.
Temporal trends in AML incidence and mortality, with a focus on AML-related deaths among patients with myelodysplastic syndromes in the United States, 1999-2023.
Akoto NA, Orhin AE, Chukwu DE … +4 more , Gyato A, Egyin S, Idun MY, Aninkora KO
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41237688 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are bone marrow disorders that often affect older adults and can lead to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a more aggressive cancer. While this progression is well known, national...
BACKGROUND: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are bone marrow disorders that often affect older adults and can lead to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a more aggressive cancer. While this progression is well known, national trends in AML-related deaths, specifically among patients with MDS, have not been well described. METHODS: Using CDC WONDER death certificate data from 1999 to 2023, we identified adults aged 25 years and above who died from AML with MDS listed as a contributing cause. We analyzed demographics, place of death, and trends over time. Age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated and stratified by sex, race, geography, and urbanization. We also examined national trends in AML incidence and mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIR). RESULTS: AML incidence was 5.8 per 100,000, rising slightly over time (AAPC + 0.5 %; 95 % CI: 0.25-0.70). Among 16,979 AML-related deaths in people with MDS, most were male (61.6 %), White (91.8 %), and aged ≥ 75 years. Nearly half died in hospitals, while < 1 % underwent autopsies. The age-adjusted mortality rate was 0.5 per 100,000 in males and 0.2 in females (p < 0.0001). Mortality declined overall (AAPC - 1.16 %; 95 % CI: - 1.75 to - 0.57), with the sharpest drop between 2021 and 2023 (APC - 17.12 %, 95 % CI: - 22.61 to - 9.20). Improvements were most notable in urban areas and among White patients. CONCLUSION: AML-related mortality in MDS patients has declined over the past 25 years, likely reflecting progress in treatment and supportive care. However, disparities persist. More equitable access to advanced therapies is needed to ensure all patients benefit from recent advances.
A systematic review on the risk of developing cancer and frequency of alcohol consumption behaviors in US adults.
Abraham I, Dasilva G, Ernst K … +13 more , Campson A, Starr A, Kamm C, Kosseifi G, Decker M, Kaleem S, Eldawy N, Brinzo P, Follin T, Ramdin C, Mejia M, Nelson LS, Sacca L
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41237687 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption, even at moderate levels, influence both cancer incidence and outcomes. This systematic review examines the relationship between varying levels of alcohol con...
BACKGROUND: The frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption, even at moderate levels, influence both cancer incidence and outcomes. This systematic review examines the relationship between varying levels of alcohol consumption and the risk of developing cancer in U.S. adults. It also explores the comorbid conditions that may increase long-term cancer risk among alcohol users and identifies the social and demographic factors that place certain population groups at heightened risk. METHODS: The review followed the Arksey & O'Malley Framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) recommendations for the extraction, analysis, and presentation of results in systematic reviews. [This framework consists of five steps: (1) identify research questions; (2) search for relevant studies; (3) select studies relevant to the research questions; (4) chart the data; and (5) collate, summarize, and report results. RESULTS: A total of 62 studies were retained for analysis following title, abstract, and full text screening. Race/ethnicity (n = 46/62) and age (n = 42/62) were the most frequently mentioned individual risk factors. Across the 62 studies reviewed, alcohol consumption was consistently identified as a risk factor for several types of cancer, including breast (n = 23/62), colorectal (n = 13/62), and liver (n = 10/62), among others. Other alcohol-associated comorbidities reported include obesity (n = 8/62), alcoholic liver disease (n = 5/62), and diabetes (n = 4/62). CONCLUSION: Alcohol intake, particularly at higher frequency or greater quantity, was consistently associated with elevated risk for multiple cancers, most notably colorectal, breast, and liver. Dose-response relationships were a common finding, underscoring that risk is not limited to heavy or chronic use.
Hospital-based gallbladder cancer registry from a high-volume referral cancer centre in India: Insights into epidemiology and roadmap for enhancing cancer care.
Patkar S, Shah TM, Varty G … +8 more , Kaderi ASA, Menon V, Baskaran D, Ostwal V, Ramaswamy A, Ramadwar M, Dikshit R, Goel M
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41237686 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a significant public health concern in India, with a high disease burden and complex challenges in delivering effective care. This registry aims to shed light on the epidemiology, and...
PURPOSE: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a significant public health concern in India, with a high disease burden and complex challenges in delivering effective care. This registry aims to shed light on the epidemiology, and barriers to early detection and treatment, to inform future research and policy initiatives. METHODS: From January 2019 to December 2022, all consecutive patients with a presumed diagnosis of GBC, presenting to our institution were prospectively enrolled after informed consent. Each patient completed a standardized questionnaire, and clinical, radiologic and treatment data were recorded in a case record form. Management followed standard institutional protocols. Survival analysis was done using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: A total of 1950 patients were included, 1441 (73.9 %) of these hailed from the Gangetic belt region (northern and eastern states); an additional 209 (10.7 %) were migrants from these regions, representing 84.6 % of the cohort. Over 55 % belonged to lower socioeconomic classes. At presentation, 60 % had metastatic disease; only 318 (16.3 %) were eligible for curative-intent therapy, and 132 (6.8 %) did not complete planned treatment. Treatment dropout correlated significantly with male gender (p = 0.012) and unemployment (p = 0.014). After a median follow-up of 38.2 months, median overall survival was 58.2 months for early-stage patients versus 4.2 months for those with metastatic disease. CONCLUSION: This registry is an attempt to generate evidence-based awareness about the substantial disease burden of gallbladder cancers in India and highlights the un-met need for capacity building of our health system, in order to provide, timely, accessible and cost-effective management of this disease.
Nutritional intake of ω-3 fatty acid intake and clinical grade of prostate cancer.
Kumar NB, Bahl S, Lemay D … +8 more , Dhillon J, Poch M, Manley B, Li R, Pow-Sang J, Yu A, Whiting J, Schell MJ
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41223508 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Recent laboratory and some human studies have shown that ω-3 fatty acids (FA) can inhibit tumor cell growth and induce a local anti-tumor inflammatory response, independently of androgen levels in prostate ca...
BACKGROUND: Recent laboratory and some human studies have shown that ω-3 fatty acids (FA) can inhibit tumor cell growth and induce a local anti-tumor inflammatory response, independently of androgen levels in prostate cancer (PCa) models. Our objective was to conduct a cohort study to evaluate if PCa patients with higher intake of ω-3 FA intake prior to diagnosis will have lower grade prostate tumors as determined by Gleason score at diagnosis compared to those men who consume relative lower quantities of ω-3 FA. METHODS: We recruited 172 newly diagnosed men with PCa at the Moffitt Cancer Center, who completed a validated epidemiological, food frequency questionnaire specifically to measure ω-3 fatty acid intake and consented to provide their medical information. RESULTS: Our results indicated that ω-3 FA intake had no impact on grade at diagnosis of PCa. In the multivariate model, ω-3 FA intake indicated a trend toward higher intake being associated with low Gleason grade after adjusting for age and PSA (P < o.25). A novel observation in this study is that, overall, ω-3 fatty acid intake of all men diagnosed with PCa (mean: 2.8 g /week) in this cohort was significantly lower (75 % lower) than the recommendations of the USRDA for optimal ω-3 fatty acid (11.2 g per week). CONCLUSION: With our understanding of the benefits of ω-3 fatty acid intake for overall health, including its role in preventing prostate carcinogenesis, the overall significantly low dietary intake of ω-3 fatty acid in this cohort may be concerning, requiring further education. Additionally, the role of dietary ω-3 fatty acid intake in the modulation of biomarkers of PCa in general, warrants further studies.
Implementation barriers to lung cancer screening: Conceptual misconceptions and the importance of seeking synergy with smoking cessation.
Migowski A
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41218269 · Publisher ↗
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Spatiotemporal patterns in malignant brain and central nervous system cancer incidence and mortality in the United States.
Christensen G, Thacker EL, Sloan-Aagard C
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41197564 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Brain and nervous system cancers are the 5th most common cancer category in the United States and have a very low survival rate. Spatial analysis techniques can be employed to understand the distribution of...
INTRODUCTION: Brain and nervous system cancers are the 5th most common cancer category in the United States and have a very low survival rate. Spatial analysis techniques can be employed to understand the distribution of rates and generate hypotheses about etiologies. The purpose of this study is to identify geographic patterns, time trends, and sex differences in mortality-incidence rate ratios, incidence rates, and mortality rates of brain and nervous system cancers. METHODS: Cancer data were sourced from the CDC Wonder Cancer database, including age-adjusted mortality-incidence rate ratios, age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates for all age groups and demographics in the United States. MIRR data were available from 1999 to 2018 which were split into four, five-year aggregated time windows to have adequate case numbers for time trend analyses. We further conducted joinpoint regression analysis for 1999-2022 (incidence) and 1999-2023 (mortality) by state and sex to identify changes in trends over time. RESULTS: Incidence-mortality rate ratios varied across the United States, with the highest ratios from 1999 to 2003, calculated to be around 0.67 for the different demographics studied. Since 2004, the mortality rates have remained consistent with some variation between states, with little improvement in the incidence-mortality rate ratio. From 2014 to 2018, females had significantly lower incidence and mortality rates compared to men. The average mortality rate for females was 3.7 per 100,000 compared to the mortality rate for males which was 5.5 per 100,000. Average incidence showed the same pattern with a rate of 5.6 per 100,000 in females compared to 7.7 per 100,000 in males. The Northeast region of the United States showed the highest incidence and lowest mortality. There were 12 states that saw a directional change in incidence, and 14 a directional change in mortality during the study window. Females were more likely to have a directional change in mortality, and males a directional change in incidence trends. CONCLUSION: Further research should investigate reasons for the sex and state differences in brain cancer incidence and mortality rates and how regional factors contribute to survival.
Combining Mendelian randomization and network toxicology to decipher the causal role and molecular mechanisms of environmental pollutants in breast cancer: A focus on Methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate.
Yang Y, Wang Y, Sun Y
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41183465 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Methylparaben (MEP), a ubiquitous preservative, is an endocrine disruptor with established estrogenic activity. However, its potential non-estrogenic mechanisms and causal role in breast cancer (BC) remain in...
BACKGROUND: Methylparaben (MEP), a ubiquitous preservative, is an endocrine disruptor with established estrogenic activity. However, its potential non-estrogenic mechanisms and causal role in breast cancer (BC) remain inadequately explored. METHODS: We employed an integrative multi-omics approach. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted using genetic instruments for urinary MEP sulfate (n = 8285) and BC risk data from the FinnGen consortium (n = 182,927). To hypothesize underlying molecular mechanisms, we integrated network toxicology with transcriptomic profiling (TCGA), single-cell/spatial RNA-sequencing, and molecular docking. Shared genes were identified via Venn analysis, followed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, hub gene identification, and functional enrichment analysis. RESULTS: MR analysis provided evidence consistent with a causal relationship, suggesting that genetically predicted MEP levels are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (IVW OR = 1.08, 95 % CI: 1.009-1.160, P = 0.027). Network toxicology identified 22 overlapping hub genes connecting MEP targets to BC pathogenesis. Enrichment analyses implicated key oncogenic pathways, including PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling, as well as metabolic reprogramming. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics localized predominant expression of hub genes like MYC and ERBB2 within malignant epithelial cells. Molecular docking further suggested plausible, high-affinity binding (binding energy < 0 kcal/mol) of MEP to core targets such as EGFR and JUN. CONCLUSION: This study provides genetic evidence supporting a potential causal role of MEP in breast cancer. We propose a novel, estrogen receptor-independent mechanistic hypothesis wherein MEP may promote tumorigenesis by dysregulating growth factor signaling, activating key transcription factors, and inducing metabolic reprogramming. These findings highlight the need for a re-evaluation of MEP's public health impact and offer a framework for future experimental validation.
Association between blood cholesterol profile and risk of lung cancer: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.
Bhattacharya A, Mitra R, Bandyopadhyay A … +2 more , Sengupta A, Chaudhury K
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41176872 · Publisher ↗
Research findings on the relationship between blood cholesterol levels and lung cancer (LC) risk have been inconsistent, leading to inconclusive evidence regarding a definitive association. The present meta-analysis aime...
Research findings on the relationship between blood cholesterol levels and lung cancer (LC) risk have been inconsistent, leading to inconclusive evidence regarding a definitive association. The present meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively assess the association of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with the risk of LC, taking into consideration all relevant prospective cohort studies. Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched from January 2005 to Dec 2024 to identify potentially relevant articles. This meta-analysis included articles reporting the hazard ratio (HR) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) for the highest vs. lowest categories of at least one blood cholesterol component (TC, HDL-C, or LDL-C) or sufficient data to calculate the same in relation to the risk of LC. Based on the eligibility criteria, a total of 13 prospective cohort studies involving 2,718,010 individuals and 24,842 LC cases were included. The main analysis revealed a significant inverse association between HDL-C and the risk of LC (pooled HR = 0.83, 95 % CI: 0.74-0.92). No statistically significant associations were observed for TC or LDL-C in relation to LC risk. In conclusion, higher HDL-C levels appear to be significantly associated with a lower risk of LC, whereas no significant associations is evident for TC or LDL-C. Maintaining healthy HDL-C levels through a balanced diet and regular exercise may help reduce LC incidence. Nonetheless, further large-scale prospective studies with adequate adjustment for confounding and preclinical bias are warranted to ascertain the potential causality.
Association between sociodemographic and clinical factors and utilization of hematopoietic cell transplant in acute myeloid leukemia from 2004 to 2020.
Joshi U, Ravindra A, Loeffler B … +6 more , Bhetuwal U, Acharya S, Niu C, Pyakuryal A, Bhatt VR, Dhakal P
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41176871 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: This study investigates the influence of sociodemographic and clinical factors on the utilization of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) between 2004 and 2020....
INTRODUCTION: This study investigates the influence of sociodemographic and clinical factors on the utilization of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) between 2004 and 2020. METHODS: Patients identified from the National Cancer Database were grouped into two cohorts (2004-2010 and 2011-2019) to assess HCT trends. An additional analysis was conducted for 2020 to characterize HCT use after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression and multivariable analysis were used to estimate the influence of patient characteristics on the odds of receiving HCT. RESULTS: Among 67,895 AML patients, 6968 (10.3 %) underwent HCT, with usage rising from 7.2 % in 2004-13.4 % in 2019. There was a notable increase in HCT utilization among patients > 70 years (0.4 % in 2004-2010-2.5 % in 2011-2019), Black patients (4.6-7.7 %), those with public insurance (3.2-6.2 %), and individuals with higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI 1: 5.3-8.2 %; CCI 2-3: 1.9-4.8 %). Younger patients exhibited a higher likelihood of receiving HCT, with usage declining significantly with age and increasing CCI. Key factors such as race, education, income, insurance status, and AML subtype were significantly associated with HCT utilization (p < 0.01). Remarkably, HCT utilization for AML remained stable at 13.1 % in 2020 amid COVID-19 pandemic, comparable to 2019. CONCLUSION: The rate of HCT utilization has continued to increase over time, with notable positive trends across various demographic groups. Despite this, substantial barriers related to sociodemographic and clinical factors hinder equitable treatment access, highlighting urgent need to address these inequities to enhance patient outcomes.
Self-assessment of melanoma risk factors versus expert assessment: A systematic review of agreement.
Kopplin LF, Kaiser I
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41175744 · Publisher ↗
The number of melanoma cases has been rising over the past decades. Hence, screening is essential to provide early and effective patient management. However, screening for risk factors binds medical resources and may be...
The number of melanoma cases has been rising over the past decades. Hence, screening is essential to provide early and effective patient management. However, screening for risk factors binds medical resources and may be conducted by patients. To evaluate the quality and validity of such a self-assessment, a systematic review of patient-expert agreement in dermatologic examinations is presented. A systematic review of studies examining participant-expert agreement on melanoma risk factors that were published until May 2025 was conducted. Included sources were retrieved from PubMed, the Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus. Publications in languages other than English were excluded from the analysis. Of the 3562 records identified, 29 were eligible for evaluation. Six melanoma risk factors dominated the results: Typical and atypical nevi, skin phototype, freckles, hair and eye color., with typical nevi being the most frequently assessed risk factor (22 studies). Agreement is highly heterogeneous, ranging from predominantly weaker to scarcely reported substantial agreement, casting doubts on whether individuals should be tasked with self-assessment. Individual self-assessment may currently serve as a first indication of elevated melanoma risk but cannot substitute for dermatologic screening.
A national study of lung cancer patients below 50 years: Variations in characteristics and outcomes by age.
Kristensen K, Gouliaev A, Rasmussen TR … +1 more , Christensen NL
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41175743 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Lung cancer predominantly affects the elderly. However, a small yet significant subgroup of patients below fifty years presents unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to describe the ch...
BACKGROUND: Lung cancer predominantly affects the elderly. However, a small yet significant subgroup of patients below fifty years presents unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to describe the characteristics and outcomes of these young patients, emphasizing the need for improved diagnostic strategies and better prognostic outcomes. METHOD: This national cohort study includes all patients diagnosed 2012-2023 recorded in the Danish Lung Cancer Registry. Patients below fifty years at diagnosis were categorized as young. RESULTS: Out of 57,325 patients a total of 1312 (2.3 %) were below fifty years at diagnosis. Young patients were more likely to be female (p = 0.006), diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (p < 0.001) and ten times more frequent anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutated (p < 0.001). Young patients had fewer packyears (p < 0.001), better performance status (p < 0.001), lower Charlson Comorbidity index (p < 0.001), but were more frequently diagnosed in incurable disease stage, (68.0 % vs. 60.9 % p < 0.001). Adjusted OR of being diagnosed in a curable stage was 0.75 (95 %CI 0.66-0.85) for young patients, while adjusted OR for undergoing treatment with curative intent was 1.88 (1.58-2.23). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated higher survival rates for young patients across all stages, but only marginally in stages IIIB-IV. CONCLUSION: Young patients diagnosed with lung cancer are less likely to be diagnosed in a curable stage. The pathology and smoking habits differ significantly from patients above fifty years. While pending screening is important for the older population of smokers, it remains essential to consistently address the need for early diagnosis in the young population to prevent exacerbating existing disparities.
Epidemiological trends of lymphoma in Sri Lanka: A national cancer registry study (2005-2021).
Alvitigala BY, Gooneratne LV, de Silva C
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41172893 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Globally, lymphoma incidence has been steadily rising, with notable regional and gender-based variations. Understanding these trends in developing countries like Sri Lanka is essential to address cancer contr...
BACKGROUND: Globally, lymphoma incidence has been steadily rising, with notable regional and gender-based variations. Understanding these trends in developing countries like Sri Lanka is essential to address cancer control strategies. METHODOLOGY: Cancer incidence and mortality data from the National Cancer Control Program (NCCP) registries (2005-2021) were analyzed. Temporal trends in age-standardized rates (ASR) were assessed using Joinpoint Regression to estimate annual percent change (APC) and average APC (AAPC). RESULTS: A total of new 15,577 lymphoma cases were reported with male predominance (60 %, n = 9346) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) being the predominant subtype (79 %, n = 9561). The overall incidence increased significantly over 16 years (AAPC: 4.1 %; p < 0.05), with a 1.4-fold rise in both sexes and a marked rise among 0-19-year-olds, exclusively post-2019 (p < 0.05). NHL incidence was highest in individuals aged ≥ 60 years, with a 2-fold rise in both gender (APC: 3.2; 95 % CI: 0.4 - 6.1; p < 0.05) during 2011-2021. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) showed a significant 3-fold increase in females, while trends in males fluctuated, with a significant average AAPC in both sexes from 2011 to 2021 (p < 0.05). Despite the non-significant rise in female incidence across most age groups, males in 40-59 and > 60 years age groups showed a decline. A significant rise in NHL-related deaths among males (p < 0.05) was noted, with a non-significant increase in females. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate an apparent rising burden of lymphoma in Sri Lanka, particularly among males and the elderly. However, this observed increase may be partly attributable to improvements in cancer diagnostics and NCCP reporting over time. Additionally, evolving WHO classifications and their gradual adoption may also have influenced the observed trends.
Incidence rates and trends of paediatric cancer in Italy, 2008-2017.
Santelli E, Gatta G, Savoia F … +10 more , Fabiano S, Cuccaro F, Perotti V, Tittarelli A, Scuderi T, Amodio R, Mazzucco W, Stracci F, Cozzi I, AIRTUM Working Group
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41138572 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Paediatric cancers are rare, yet, Italy has previously shown some of the highest incidence rates in Europe as a leading cause of death in children and adolescents. This study updates data from Italy for 2008-...
BACKGROUND: Paediatric cancers are rare, yet, Italy has previously shown some of the highest incidence rates in Europe as a leading cause of death in children and adolescents. This study updates data from Italy for 2008-2017, analyses trends from 1998, and compares findings with other European regions. METHODS: A population-based approach was used, leveraging data from the Italian Association of Cancer Registries (AIRTUM). Thirty-one cancer registries covering 77 % of the Italian paediatric population contributed data on tumour type, age, sex, residence, and diagnosis date. Cancers were classified using the International Classification of Childhood Cancer, Third Edition (ICCC-3). Age-specific (IR) and age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) were computed, while trends were analysed with Joinpoint regression to estimate annual (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC). RESULTS: From 2008-2017, 17,322 malignant paediatric cancer cases were reported in Italy. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) was 166.8 per million for ages 0-14 and 294.3 per million for adolescents 15-19. Over the study period, incidence rates were generally stable, but a significant increase was observed for bone tumours in children and thyroid and melanoma in adolescents. Central Italy showed higher incidence rates compared to other Italian regions. Italy still shows one of the highest incidence rates in Europe. CONCLUSION: While the study confirms overall stable incidence trends in Italy, it also highlights an increase in specific cancers such as melanoma and thyroid tumours in adolescents. Central Italy exhibited higher incidence rates, potentially due to environmental and/or diagnostic factors. Continuous monitoring and further research are needed to clarify regional variations and evaluate the impact of early diagnosis and environmental exposures.
Prevalence of vaccine-induced immunity to hepatitis B in cancer patients: A 13-year analysis in a quaternary oncological center.
Magri MC, de Paula VG, Pinto MRC … +5 more , Battaglia DBR, de Oliveira R, Ferreira GM, Tengan FM, Abdala E
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41138571 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus reactivation may occur in cancer patients, leading to liver damage and early discontinuation of treatment. To evaluate vaccine-induced immunity to hepatitis B, this study investigated the pr...
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus reactivation may occur in cancer patients, leading to liver damage and early discontinuation of treatment. To evaluate vaccine-induced immunity to hepatitis B, this study investigated the prevalence of anti-HBs antibodies from patients with solid tumors or hematological malignancies. METHODS: All cancer patients who underwent serological testing for anti-HBs from 2011 to 2023 and had negative anti-HBc results at the Instituto do Cancer do Estado de Sao Paulo, Brazil, were included. The prevalence of vaccine-induced immunity to hepatitis B during those years was assessed by using linear regression. Characteristics associated with presence of anti-HBs and anti-HBs titers (strongly positive: ≥ 100 IU/L; weakly positive: 10-99 IU/L) were evaluated by using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 23,854 patients were evaluated, 17,249 with solid tumors and 5114 with hematological malignancies. The prevalence of vaccine-induced immunity to hepatitis B was 22.1 %, with a significant linear increase over time (p < 0.001). The presence of vaccine-induced immunity to hepatitis B was associated with younger age (OR=7.23, 95 % CI: 6.55-7.98), female sex (OR=1.25, 95 % CI: 1.15-1.36), non-white patients (OR=1.13, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.22), and patients with hematological malignancies (OR=1.16, 95 %CI: 1.07-1.27). Additionally, the variables younger age (OR=1.64, 95 % CI: 1.39-1.94) and female sex (OR=1.39, 95 % CI: 1.20-1.60) were associated with strongly protective anti-HBs titers (≥ 100 IU/L). CONCLUSIONS: This finding indicates that approximately one-quarter of a large population with cancer was protected against HBV infection through serological evidence of anti-HBs. Preventive strategies are needed for cancer patients, who may benefit from hepatitis B vaccination.
Prognostic factors of Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma within the head and neck: A NCDB analysis.
Respicio S, Ryan D, Bine C … +3 more , Zhang S, Silberstein P, DiBlasi M
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41108856 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: To characterize the prognostic profile of head and neck Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma (MEC) and correlate findings with survival and surgical likelihood. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study queried the Nation...
OBJECTIVES: To characterize the prognostic profile of head and neck Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma (MEC) and correlate findings with survival and surgical likelihood. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study queried the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2021 for all head and neck structures with histologically confirmed MEC. Using SPSS and GraphPad Prism, statistical analyses were conducted via Kaplan Meier Survival with Log-Rank Pairwise Comparisons, Cox Proportional Hazards Regressions, and Binomial and Multinomial Logistic Regressions. RESULTS: A total of 17,713 patients were included. Significant findings include worsened overall survival (OS) and hazard ratios (HR) in relation to male sex, white race, non-Hispanic ethnicity, non-Private Insurances, non-Academic/Research treatment facilities, and not undergoing surgery. MEC in the Gum & Other Mouth and in the Lip had better OS and HR while MEC of the Nose, Nasal Cavity, & Middle Ear, MEC of the Tongue, and MEC of the Pharynx had worsened OS and HR in comparison to Salivary Gland MEC. Gum & Other Mouth MEC patients had significantly increased likelihood for Local Tumor Excision and Partial Organ Removal surgeries. Tongue MEC had significantly increased likelihood for Partial Organ Removal. Nose, Nasal Cavity, & Middle Ear MEC and Pharynx MEC had significantly decreased likelihoods for Local Tumor Excision or Total/Radical Organ Removal Surgeries. CONCLUSION: By identifying key determinants of survival and surgical likelihood, this work provides valuable clinical insight into patient management and outcomes for a clinically significant malignancy. Additionally, this study comments on the role of accessible surgical care and social determinants of health regarding MEC.
A cross-sectional assessment of US cancer diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Burus T, Kim U, Rose J … +2 more , Koroukian SM, Lang Kuhs KA
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41108855 · Full text
BACKGROUND: Disruptions to cancer diagnoses were widely reported in the US during the early COVID-19 pandemic. Whether any cases remained unaccounted-for by the end of the pandemic has not been fully assessed. METHODS: W...
BACKGROUND: Disruptions to cancer diagnoses were widely reported in the US during the early COVID-19 pandemic. Whether any cases remained unaccounted-for by the end of the pandemic has not been fully assessed. METHODS: We collected data on invasive cancer diagnoses occurring among individuals aged 20-89 years between January 2020 and December 2022 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Expected cancer case counts and incidence rates with 95 % credibility intervals (95 %CrIs) were estimated for 2020-2022 from pre-pandemic trends (2005-2019) using Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort models. We compared observed rates with expected rates, and estimated unaccounted-for cases. Additional site-, stage-, and subgroup-specific analyses were performed. RESULTS: Among 2260,704 cancer cases diagnosed in 2020-2022, the observed incidence rate was 595.5 per 100,000 persons (95 %CI, 594.7-596.2), which was 6.7 % lower than the expected rate of 638.1 (95 %CrI, 620.1-656.1) and corresponded to 160,475 fewer-than-expected cases (95 %CrI, 99,777-221,174). Annual observed rates were significantly lower than expected in 2020 (565.8 vs. 630.7), with recovery in 2021 and 2022, though not enough to overcome the existing case deficit. Incidence rates for persons aged ≥ 65 years, nonmetropolitan residents, and non-Hispanic White individuals, as well as site-specific rates for lung and kidney cancers and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, remained below expected levels beyond 2020. Early-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses were 14.2 % lower than expected over the period. CONCLUSION: While annual cancer incidence rates returned to expected levels by the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, substantial numbers of unaccounted-for cases remained, raising concerns for future increases in cancer morbidity and mortality.
Malignancies of the small intestine: incidence and trends in a nationwide registry.
Schafrat PJM, van Erning FN, Zwinderman K … +8 more , Dekker E, Farina Sarasqueta A, de Vos-Geelen J, Bouwense SAW, Goedegebuure RSA, Vermeulen L, de Hingh IHJT, Sommeijer DW
Cancer Epidemiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41106205 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Malignancies of the small intestine are rare and understudied. Improved knowledge about trends in incidence and distribution of specific subtypes might guide clinicians and researchers to further improve diag...
BACKGROUND: Malignancies of the small intestine are rare and understudied. Improved knowledge about trends in incidence and distribution of specific subtypes might guide clinicians and researchers to further improve diagnostic and treatment strategies and ultimately improve prognosis. METHODS: This nationwide retrospective cohort study from the Netherlands Cancer Registry included all patients diagnosed with a malignancy of the small intestine in the Netherlands between 2000 and 2022. Malignancies were divided into seven subgroups: adenocarcinomas, neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), lymphomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), other sarcomas, metastases, and "other". Age-standardized incidence rates, overall- and relative survival were reported. RESULTS: A total of 11.194 patients with a malignancy of the small intestine were included. Age-standardized incidence rates (per 100.000 person-years) more than doubled between 2000 and 2020 (1.88-3.94, p < 0.001), with the largest increase in NENs (0.53-1.57, p < 0.001), followed by adenocarcinomas (0.78-1.22, p = 0.004). The most prevalent malignancy in the small intestine shifted from adenocarcinomas to NENs from 2017 onwards. NENs were mostly located in the ileum and adenocarcinomas were most frequently diagnosed in the duodenum. Survival varied significantly between subgroups. Survival of patients with lymphomas and GISTs improved over time, in contrast with patients with adenocarcinomas and NENs. CONCLUSION: The incidence of malignancies of the small intestine in the Netherlands has more than doubled over the past two decades, mostly due to an increase in NENs and adenocarcinomas. Survival outcomes for these malignancies did not improve, highlighting the urgent need to further study these rare cancer subtypes in the small intestine.
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