Adolescent and young adult cancers in India–Findings from the National Cancer Registry Programme

BackgroundThe adolescent and young adult (AYA) age group is a bridge between pediatric and adult age groups. The present study describes the epidemiology of cancers in the AYA age group in India.MethodsThe data of primary site cancers in the age group of 15–39 years from the 28 Population Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs') and 58 Hospital Based Cancer Registries under the National Cancer Registry Programme for the reporting year 2012–2016 was analysed.ResultsThe median age adjusted incidence rate (AAR) was 22.2 per 100,000 among males and 29.2 per 100,000 among females. The age-specific incidence rate increased with increasing age in both genders with the highest recorded numbers in the 35–39 age group. The proportion of myeloid leukaemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was highest in the 15–24 age group. Cancers of the breast, thyroid, mouth and tongue constituted the leading sites between 30 and 39 years. There was a significant increase in the incidence among AYA males (APC=0.9) between 1985 and 2015, while a decline in incidence was observed for females, which was not significant (APC=−0.2). The majority of patients had locoregional spread of cancer at the time of diagnosis. The projected number of cancer cases in both genders are expected to increase to 178,617 in 2025.ConclusionCancers in the AYA population are a concern in India. Since AYA oncology appears to be evolving in India, a robust health care system and suitable AYA cancer care policies and programmes are strongly needed to improve disease outcomes and survival.     

Trends in cancer incidence in the Republic of Mauritius, 1991–2015

IntroductionMauritius, a small state, is among the few African countries where cancer registration is population based and nationwide. We reported trends in cancer incidence for twenty five years as well as the mortality to incidence ratio (MIR) as main quality indicator of the Mauritius National Cancer Registry (MNCR).Materials and methodsWe calculated age standardised incidence rates (ASRs) of cancers by sex and by 5 year age group for five successive year periods from 1991 to 2015. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) were determined by sex and cancer sites. MIRs were compared for the period 2001–2004 and 2012–2015.ResultsIn males, the most common cancer sites (in terms of ASRs per 100,000) were those of the colon-rectum (17.0), prostate (16.5), trachea-bronchus-lung (13.0), stomach (8.4) and lip-oral cavity-pharynx (7.7). The AAPC were +3.9%, +4.2%, +0.5%, -0.1% and -1.3% respectively. In females, the most frequent sites were breast (53.7), colon-rectum (13.2), cervix uteri (11.2), corpus uteri (7.7) and ovary (5.7). The AAPC were +3.4%, +4.4%, -2%, +5.2% and -0.1% respectively. The most significant decrease in MIRs among males were liver (1.9 to 1.0), stomach (1.3 to 0.8) and lung (1.7 to 1.2) cancers while among females, they were pancreas (3.4 to 1.3), liver (1.8 to 1.2) and stomach (1.5 to 0.8) cancers.ConclusionThe most common cancers were those associated with 'westernisation' of lifestyle. Our figures contrast with other Sub-Saharan Africa countries where infection related cancers are most predominant. The MNCR has also improved its data quality over time.     

Ethnic differences in incidence of stroke: prospective study with stroke register

ObjectiveTo identify ethnic differences in the incidence of first ever stroke.DesignA prospective community stroke register (1995-6) with multiple notification sources. Pathological classification of stroke in all cases was based on brain imaging or necropsy data. Rates were standardised to European and world populations and adjusted for age, sex, and social class in multivariate analysis.SettingA multi-ethnic population of 234 533 in south London, of whom 21% are black.Results612 strokes were registered. The crude annual incidence rate was 1.3 strokes per 1000 population per year (95% confidence interval 1.20 to 1.41) and 1.25 per 1000 population per year (1.15 to 1.35) age adjusted to the standard European population. Incidence rates adjusted for age and sex were significantly higher in black compared with white people (P<0.0001), with an incidence rate ratio of 2.21 (1.77 to 2.76). In multivariable analysis increasing age (P<0.0001), male sex (P<0.003), black ethnic group (P<0.0001), and lower social class (P<0.0001) in people aged 35-64 were independently associated with an increased incidence of stroke.ConclusionsIncidence rates of stroke are higher in the black population; this is not explained by confounders such as social class, age, and sex. Ethnic differences in genetic, physiological, and behavioural risk factors for stroke require further elucidation to aid development of effective strategies for stroke prevention in multi-ethnic communities.

Key messages

• Incidence rates of first ever stroke adjusted for age and sex are twice as high in black people compared with white people
• This excess incidence cannot be accounted for by differences in social class in ages 35-64
• Black people tend to have their first stroke at a younger age than white people
• The excess incidence is found in all pathological types of stroke but is greatest for primary intracerebral haemorrhage
• There is no difference between ethnic groups in case fatality up to 6 months after stroke

     

Young adult cancer incidence trends in Taiwan and the U.S. from 2002 to 2016

BackgroundPrevious studies have not examined young adult cancer incidence trends in Taiwan, or comprehensively compared these trends at two nations with different population genetics, environmental exposures, and health care. Therefore, we compared the incidence rates and trends of the most common young adult cancers diagnosed at 20–39 years of age in Taiwan and the U.S.MethodsIncidence rates from 2002 to 2016 were calculated from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Datasets and the U.S. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. For trend assessment, average annual percent change (AAPC) values were calculated from 15 years of data using Joinpoint Regression Program. We also obtained sex or age of diagnosis stratified estimates.ResultsThe age-standardized overall young adult cancer incidence rate significantly increased from 2002 to 2016 in both Taiwan (AAPC=1.1%, 95% CI: 0.8–1.5%) and the U.S. (AAPC=1.8%, 95% CI: 1.1–2.4%). Cancers with significantly decreasing trends in Taiwan included cancers of the nasopharynx, liver, and tongue, which were not among the most common young adult cancers in the U.S. Cancers with significantly increasing trends in both Taiwan and the U.S. included colorectal, thyroid, and female breast cancers. Lymphoma, ovarian cancer, and lung and bronchus cancer had significantly increasing trends in Taiwan but not in the U.S. Although cervical cancer had significantly decreasing trends in both nations among those 30–39 years of age, its trend was significantly increasing in Taiwan but decreasing in the U.S. among those 20–29 years of age.ConclusionThe types of common young adult cancers as well as their incidence rates and trends differed in Taiwan and the U.S. Future studies should further understand the etiological factors driving these trends.     

Profile of cancer in the Eastern Mediterranean region: The need for action

BackgroundMany countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) are undergoing marked demographic and socioeconomic transitions that are increasing the cancer burden in region. We sought to examine the national cancer incidence and mortality profiles as a support to regional cancer control planning in the EMR.MethodsGLOBOCAN 2012 data were used to estimate cancer incidence and mortality by country, cancer type, sex and age in 22 EMR countries. We calculated age-standardized incidence and mortality rates (per 100,000) using direct method of standardization.ResultsThe cancer incidence and mortality rates vary considerably between countries in the EMR. Incidence rates were highest in Lebanon (204 and 193 per 100,000 in males and females, respectively). Mortality rates were highest in Lebanon (119) and Egypt (121) among males and in Somalia (117) among females. The profile of common cancers differs substantially by sex. For females, breast cancer is the most common cancer in all 22 countries, followed by cervical cancer, which ranks high only in the lower-income countries in the region. For males, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer in combination represent almost 30% of the cancer burden in countries that have attained very high levels of human development.ConclusionsThe most common cancers are largely amenable to preventive strategies by primary and/or secondary prevention, hence a need for effective interventions tackling lifestyle risk factors and infections. The high mortality observed from breast and cervical cancer highlights the need to break the stigmas and improve awareness surrounding these cancers.     

Declining hysterectomy prevalence and the estimated impact on uterine cancer incidence in Scotland

AimThe prevalence of hysterectomy is decreasing worldwide. It is not clear whether changes in the population at risk (women with intact uteruses) have contributed to an increased uterine cancer incidence. This study aims to assess the effect of changing trends in hysterectomy prevalence on uterine cancer incidence in Scotland.MethodsThe population of women aged ≥25 years with intact uteri was estimated using the estimated hysterectomy prevalence in 1995 and the number of procedures performed in Scotland (1996–2015). Age-standardized uterine cancer incidence was estimated using uncorrected (total) or corrected (adjusted for hysterectomy prevalence) populations as denominators and the number of incident cancers as numerators. Annual percentage change in uterine cancer was estimated.ResultsHysterectomy prevalence fell from 13% to 10% between 1996–2000 and 2011–2015, with the most marked decline (from 20% to 6%) in the 50–54-year age group. After correction for hysterectomy prevalence, age-standardized incidence of uterine cancer increased by 20–22%. Annual percentage change in incidence of uterine cancer remained stable through the study period and was 2.2% (95%CI 1.8–2.7) and 2.1% (95%CI 1.7–2.6) for uncorrected and corrected estimates, respectively.ConclusionUterine cancer incidence in Scotland corrected for hysterectomy prevalence is higher than estimates using a total female population as denominator. The annual percentage increase in uterine cancer incidence was stable in both uncorrected and corrected populations despite a declining hysterectomy prevalence. The rise in uterine cancer incidence may thus be driven by other factors, including an ageing population, changing reproductive choices, and obesity.     

Patterns and temporal trends in the incidence of childhood and adolescence cancer in Cyprus 1998–2017: A population-based study from the Cyprus Paediatric Oncology Registry

BackgroundDespite its rarity, cancer in children and adolescents (CAC) is a major health issue worldwide. The lack of appropriate cancer registries is an obstacle for defining its incidence and survival, and informing cancer control. As in Cyprus, CAC epidemiology has not previously been comprehensively examined, we determined incidence rates and temporal trends of cancer in the 0–19 age group during 1998–2017.MethodsWe established the population based Paediatric Oncology Registry of Cyprus (PORCY) for the period 1998–2017. World age standardised incidence rate per million children and adolescents per year (ASRW) were calculated and time trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression analysis. Comparisons were made with other countries using the International Incidence of Childhood Cancer, third volume.ResultsFor all cancers combined, for ages 0–19-years, ASRW was 203.54 (95% CI 189.49, 217.59) one of the highest rates globally. The most frequent CAC were leukaemias followed by lymphomas, specified epithelial neoplasms and central nervous system tumours, differing to what is described in most other countries. For all cancers, both combined and individual types, except thyroid carcinoma (where incidence was rising), no significant temporal variation was found.ConclusionsTo inform cancer control activities, we conducted the first ever population-based epidemiological study of childhood and adolescent cancer (0–19 years) in Cyprus. The striking findings indicate high overall incidence rates that are among the world’s highest, a higher frequency of lymphomas and thyroid cancer than brain tumours, and rising incidence for thyroid, but not for other, cancers. These novel findings, will help the formulation of hypotheses to provide explanation for the high rates for all CAC in Cyprus and may contribute to the global efforts for improving prevention of cancer in this age group.     

Cancer incidence in Iran in 2014: Results of the Iranian National Population-based Cancer Registry

BackgroundWe aimed to report, for the first time, the results of the Iranian National Population-based Cancer Registry (INPCR) for the year 2014.MethodsTotal population of Iran in 2014 was 76,639,000. The INPCR covered 30 out of 31 provinces (98% of total population). It registered only cases diagnosed with malignant new primary tumors. The main sources for data collection included pathology center, hospitals as well as death registries. Quality assessment and analysis of data were performed by CanReg-5 software. Age standardized incidence rates (ASR) (per 100,000) were reported at national and subnational levels.ResultsOverall, 112,131 new cancer cases were registered in INPCR in 2014, of which 60,469 (53.9%) were male. The diagnosis of cancer was made by microscopic confirmation in 76,568 cases (68.28%). The ASRs of all cancers were 177.44 and 141.18 in male and female, respectively. Cancers of the stomach (ASR = 21.24), prostate (18.41) and colorectum (16.57) were the most common cancers in men and the top three cancers in women were malignancies of breast (34.53), colorectum (11.86) and stomach (9.44). The ASR of cervix uteri cancer in women was 1.78. Our findings suggested high incidence of cancers of the esophagus, stomach and lung in North/ North West of Iran.ConclusionOur results showed that Iran is a medium-risk area for incidence of cancers. We found differences in the most common cancers in Iran comparing to those reported for the World. Our results also suggested geographical diversities in incidence rates of cancers in different subdivisions of Iran.     

The role of hospital-based cancer registries in low and middle income countries-The Nigerian Case Study

Background: The incidence of cancer continues to rise all over the world and current projections show that there will be 1.27 million new cases and almost 1 million deaths by 2030. In view of the rising incidence of cancer in sub-Saharan Africa, urgent steps are needed to guide appropriate policy, health sector investment and resource allocation. We posit that hospital based cancer registries (HBCR) are fundamental sources of information on the frequent cancer sites in limited resource regions where population level data is often unavailable. In regions where population based cancer registries are not in existence, HBCR are beneficial for policy and planning. Materials and methods: Nineteen of twenty-one cancer registries in Nigeria met the definition of HBCR, and from these registries, we requested data on cancer cases recorded from January 2009 to December 2010. 16 of the 19 registries (84%) responded. Data on year hospital was established; year cancer registry was established, no. of pathologists and types of oncology services available in each tertiary health facility were shown. Analysis of relative frequency of cancers in each HBCR, the basis of diagnosis recorded in the HBCR and the total number of cases recorded by gender was carried out. Results: The total number of cancers registered in these 11 hospital based cancer registries in 2009 and 2010 was 6484. The number of new cancer cases recorded annually in these hospital based cancer registries on average was 117 cases in males and I77 cases in females. Breast and cervical cancer were the most common cancers seen in women while prostate cancer was the commonest among men seen in these tertiary hospitals. Conclusion: Information provided by HBCR is beneficial and can be utilized for the improvement of cancer care delivery systems in low and middle income countries where there are no population based cancer registries.     

The burden of rare cancer in Japan: Application of the RARECARE definition

BackgroundDespite the fact that rare cancer is a new target of cancer control in Japan, the incidence of rare cancers is unknown and there is no generally accepted definition of rare cancers in this country. With the aim of calculating incidences of rare cancers in Japan, we therefore adopted a definition and classification of rare cancers that had been published in the European Union (EU) in 2011.MethodsUsing incidence data between 1998 and 2007 submitted by 12 of population based cancer registries in Japan that met our quality criteria and drawing on the EU definition (incidence <6 per 100,000 per year), we estimated the incidences of 845 combinations of tumor sites and histological groups and thus identified the cancers that are rare in Japan.ResultsAfter identifying 193 combinations of tumor sites and histological groups that fit our criteria for rare cancers, we estimated their incidence to be about 75 per 100,000, which corresponds to about 94,800 new diagnoses in 2012 or approximately 15% of all cancer diagnoses. The categorization of rare and common cancers was almost the same in Japan as in EU.ConclusionsThe present study provides an indication of the size of the rare cancer burden in Japan and epidemiological information to explore this. We are expecting further discussion based on our results with stakeholders in order to construct a Japanese definition of rare cancers.     

Incidence,trends, and survival of oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2006–2020

BackgroundAn increasing trend of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) has been reported in several countries with different demographic characteristics, and often attributed to increases in human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The survival of patients with OPC has steadily improved, especially for those with positive HPV status. This study assessed the incidence, trends, and survival of OPC in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) by age at diagnosis, sex and ethnicity.MethodsThe study included all 2109 patients resident in NZ with a primary diagnosis of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma from 2006 to 2020, identified from the National Cancer Registry. We assessed age-standardised incidence rate (ASR), annual percent change (APC) and overall and relative survival rates.ResultsThe average annual incidence of OPC was 2.2 per 100,000 population. There was a steady increase of 4.9% per year over 15 years. Although the incidence rates were higher in males over the study period, the overall rate of increase was similar in males (4.9%) and in females (4.3%). The incidence was highest in the 50–69-year group (8.8/100,000 population). This age group had an incidence that increased by 7.5% per year to 2018, and then declined. The main increase in rates was seen between the birth cohort of 1946–50 and that of 1956–60. The increase in incidence was seen in Māori and Pākehā/European populations, but no increase was seen in Pacific or Asian populations. The 5-year overall relative survival rate improved from 69% in 2006‐13 to 78% in 2014–20. Survival rates were lower in older patients, females, and Māori patients.ConclusionThis study confirmed a substantial increase in OPC incidence in NZ, with some evidence to suggest a recent slowing in this increase. Māori and Pākehā/European had the highest incidence, while Pacific and Asian populations showed the lowest rates and no increase over the study period. Survival rates have improved over time, but remained lower in some demographic groups.     

Epidemiology of pediatric primary malignant central nervous system tumors in Iran: A 10 year report of National Cancer Registry

BackgroundCNS tumors are the leading cause of cancer related deaths among children and adolescents. Nonetheless, the incidence of pediatric CNS tumors in developing countries is poorly understood. We aimed to provide epidemiologic features of primary malignant CNS tumors in Iranian children 0–19 years of age using National Cancer Registry (NCR) data bank.MethodsThe data recorded by NCR over a 10 year period (2000–2010) were reviewed.ResultsOf 1948 tumor cases, 93.3% were located in brain, 5.1% were found in the spinal cord & cauda equina, and 1.6% affected cranial nerves and other parts of the nervous system. The overall average annual age specific incidence rate was 1.43 per 100,000. Males were more likely to develop CNS tumors (1.65 per 100,000) compared to females (1.21 per 100,000, p < 0.01). Children under 5 years of age had the highest age specific incidence rate (1.86 per 100,000). Astrocytic tumors with the incidence rate of 0.61 per 100,000 were the most frequent specific histology followed by embryonal (0.38 per 100,000), and ependymal tumors (0.10 per 100,000). With regard to the histological distribution of tumors, some unique features including the high proportion of unspecified malignant neoplasms (7.6%) were noted.ConclusionThe overall incidence rate was markedly lower than western findings. Major differences were also observed in incidence rates of specific histologies. Although the discrepancies may be attributable to diversity in classification schemes and registration practices, a real ethnic and geographical variation in predisposition to development of pediatric CNS cancers is strongly suggested.     

Distribution of cancer mortality rates by province in South Africa

IntroductionCancer mortality rates are expected to increase in developing countries. Cancer mortality rates by province remain largely unreported in South Africa. This study described the 2014 age standardised cancer mortality rates by province in South Africa, to provide insight for strategic interventions and advocacy.Methods2014 deaths data were retrieved from Statistics South Africa. Deaths from cancer were extracted using 10th International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes for cancer (C00-C97). Adjusted 2013 mid-year population estimates were used as a standard population. All rates were calculated per 100 000 individuals.ResultsNearly 38 000 (8%) of the total deaths in South Africa in 2014 were attributed to cancer. Western Cape Province had the highest age standardised cancer mortality rate in South Africa (118, 95% CI: 115–121 deaths per 100 000 individuals), followed by the Northern Cape (113, 95% CI: 107–119 per 100 000 individuals), with the lowest rate in Limpopo Province (47, 95% CI: 45–49 per 100 000). The age standardised cancer mortality rate for men (71, 95% CI: 70–72 per 100 000 individuals) was similar to women (69, 95% CI: 68–70 per 100 000). Lung cancer was a major driver of cancer death in men (13, 95% CI: 12.6–13.4 per 100 000). In women, cervical cancer was the leading cause of cancer death (13, 95% CI: 12.6–13.4 per 100 000 individuals).ConclusionThere is a need to further investigate the factors related to the differences in cancer mortality by province in South Africa. Raising awareness of risk factors and screening for cancer in the population along with improved access and quality of health care are also important.     

Cancer Incidence following Expansion of HIV Treatment in Botswana

BackgroundThe expansion of combination antiretroviral treatment (ART) in southern Africa has dramatically reduced mortality due to AIDS-related infections, but the impact of ART on cancer incidence in the region is unknown. We sought to describe trends in cancer incidence in Botswana during implementation of the first public ART program in Africa.MethodsWe included 8479 incident cases from the Botswana National Cancer Registry during a period of significant ART expansion in Botswana, 2003–2008, when ART coverage increased from 7.3% to 82.3%. We fit Poisson models of age-adjusted cancer incidence and counts in the total population, and in an inverse probability weighted population with known HIV status, over time and estimated ART coverage.FindingsDuring this period 61.6% of cancers were diagnosed in HIV-infected individuals and 45.4% of all cancers in men and 36.4% of all cancers in women were attributable to HIV. Age-adjusted cancer incidence decreased in the HIV infected population by 8.3% per year (95% CI -14.1 to -2.1%). However, with a progressively larger and older HIV population the annual number of cancers diagnosed remained constant (0.0% annually, 95% CI -4.3 to +4.6%). In the overall population, incidence of Kaposi’s sarcoma decreased (4.6% annually, 95% CI -6.9 to -2.2), but incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (+11.5% annually, 95% CI +6.3 to +17.0%) and HPV-associated cancers increased (+3.9% annually, 95% CI +1.4 to +6.5%). Age-adjusted cancer incidence among individuals without HIV increased 7.5% per year (95% CI +1.4 to +15.2%).InterpretationExpansion of ART in Botswana was associated with decreased age-specific cancer risk. However, an expanding and aging population contributed to continued high numbers of incident cancers in the HIV population. Increased capacity for early detection and treatment of HIV-associated cancer needs to be a new priority for programs in Africa.     

Cancer incidence in southern Iran, 1998-2002: results of population-based cancer registry

Purpose: The main aim of this study was to obtain population-based cancer incidence data for the entire population of Fars province in Iran, and to compare these rates with those obtained from a previous study in the same population ten years previously. Methods: Data were collected on all patients in major cities of Fars province who were diagnosed with cancer between 1998 and 2002. The data were computerized using SPSS (Chicago, IL) software, version 13.0, and MS EXCEL (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) software with Persian fonts. The results are presented as incidence rates of cases by site, sex, age, crude rates, and age-standardized rates per 100,000 person-years (ASRs), using the direct method of standardization to the world population. Results: During the 5-year study period, 8359 new cancer cases were registered. Diagnosis of cancer was based on histopathological criteria in 86.7%, clinical or radiological criteria in 9.4% and death certificate only in 3.9% of cases. According to the calculated ASRs, the 5 most frequent cancers in women were breast (13 per 100,000), stomach (4.4 per 100,000), lung and bronchus (2.9 per 100,000), uterus (2.7 per 100,000), and colon and rectum (2.6 per 100,000); and in men, the 5 most frequent types were stomach (9.2 per 100,000), bladder (6.8 per 100,000), lung and bronchus (6.3 per 100,000), lymphocytic leukemia (4.1 per 100,000), and skin melanoma (3.8 per 100,000). The ASR for all cancers in men was 64.5 per 100,000, and that for women was 55.5 per 100,000. Conclusion: Considering the limitations of this study, our results should be taken as the minimum incidence rates of cancers in Fars province, southern Iran. Significant differences were observed between the two study periods. However, we most likely have underestimated the frequencies of some tumors.     

The cost of premature death from cancer attributable to alcohol: Productivity losses in Europe in 2018

BackgroundMore than 1.9 million people die from cancer each year in Europe. Alcohol use is a major modifiable risk factor for cancer and poses an economic burden on society. We estimated the cost of productivity lost due to premature death (under 65 years of age) from alcohol-attributable cancer in the European Union (EU) plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (UK) in 2018.MethodsWe estimated cancer deaths attributable to alcohol using a Levin-based population attributable fractions method and cancer deaths in 2018 from the Global Cancer Observatory. Lost productivity was estimated for all alcohol-attributable cancer deaths by sex, cancer site, and country. Productivity losses were valued using the human capital approach.ResultsAn estimated 23,300 cancer deaths among people aged less than 65 in the EU plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and the UK in 2018 were attributable to alcohol (18,200 males, 5100 females). This equated to €4.58 billion in total productivity losses in the region and 0.027 % of the European Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The average cost per alcohol-attributable cancer death was €196,000. Productivity lost to alcohol-attributable cancer per capita was highest in Western Europe. Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Portugal had the highest rate of premature mortality from alcohol-attributable cancer and the highest productivity lost as a share of national GDP.ConclusionOur study provides estimates of lost productivity from alcohol-attributable cancer death in Europe. Cost-effective strategies to prevent alcohol-attributable cancer deaths could result in economic benefits for society and must be prioritised.     

Trends in brain cancers (glioma) in New Zealand from 1995 to 2020, with reference to mobile phone use

BackgroundSome case-control studies have suggested substantial increased risks of glioma in association with mobile phone use; these risks would lead to an increase in incidence over time.MethodsIncidence rates of glioma from 1995 to 2020 by age, sex, and site in New Zealand (NZ) recorded by the national cancer registry were assessed and trends analysed. Phone use was based on surveys.ResultsIn these 25 years there were 6677 incident gliomas, giving age-standardised rates (WHO world standard) of 6.04 in males, and 3.95 in females per 100,000. The use of mobile phones increased rapidly from 1990 to more than 50% of the population from about 2000, and almost all the population from 2006. The incidence of glioma from ages 10–69 has shown a small decrease over the last 25 years, during which time the use of mobile phones has become almost universal. Rates in the brain locations receiving most radiofrequency energy have also shown a small decrease. Rates at ages of 80 and over have increased.ConclusionThere is no indication of any increase related to the use of mobile phones. These results are similar to results in Australia and in many other countries. The increase in recorded incidence at ages over 80 is similar to that seen in other countries and consistent with improved diagnostic methods.