Latest ArticlesThis study aimed to analyze the temporal trends in cancer mortality in China from 2013–2021 and project the future trends through 2030.
This study was based on the China Causes of Death Surveillance Dataset, which covers 2.37 billion person-years. Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) were calculated using Segi’s world standard population and the trends were evaluated via Joinpoint regression. Bayesian age-period-cohort models were used for mortality projections. Contributions of demographic changes (population size and age structure) and risk factors to the mortality burden were quantified using the decomposition analysis.
The combined ASMRs for all cancers decreased annually by 2.3%, driven by significant declines in esophageal (4.8%), stomach (4.5%), and liver cancers (2.7%). In contrast, the pancreatic and prostate cancer ASMRs increased by 2.0% and 3.4% annually, respectively. Urban areas demonstrated a more rapid decline in the combined ASMRs for all cancers [average annual percent change (AAPC) = −3.0% in urban areas vs. −2.0% in rural areas], highlighting persistent disparities. Population aging contributed 20%–50% to death increases between 2013 and 2021. The combined ASMRs for all cancers, like the findings of temporal trend analyses, will continue to decrease and the regional (urban and rural) difference is projected to simulate that of the temporal trend through 2030. In fact, cancer deaths are projected to reach 2.4 million by 2030.
The cancer burden in China is facing the dual challenges of population aging and urban-rural disparities. It is necessary to prioritize rural screening, control risk factors, such as smoking and diet, and integrate more efficacious cancer prevention and control programmes into the policy to reduce mortality in the future.
This study aimed to assess the global, regional, and national burden of early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC) and the attributable risk factors from 1990–2021 with projections extending to 2040.
The EOGC burden was quantified using incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) with calculation of age-standardized rates. The risk factor contributions were analyzed and disparities were evaluated using the slope index of inequality. Future trends for 2021–2040 were estimated using a Bayesian age-period-cohort model.
There were approximately 125,000 new cases of EOGC globally in 2021 with an estimated 336,000 individuals living with EOGC and 78,000 associated deaths, contributing to 3.86 million DALYs. The highest EOGC incidence rates existed among individuals 45–49 years of age. The global age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALY rates demonstrated an overall decline between 1990 and 2021. Smoking and high-salt dietary intake were the leading risk factors for DALYs with regional and gender-based variations. Smoking accounted for > 10% of DALYs in Central Europe and East Asia, while high-salt dietary intake accounted for approximately 8% of DALYs. Despite the overall decline in the EOGC burden, disparities across geographic regions widened. Projections indicated a continued gradual reduction in EOGC burden through 2040.
Although the global burden of EOGC has decreased, significant disparities persist across geographic regions, age groups, and genders. Public health interventions should combine smoking prevention strategies (e.g., youth education and tobacco taxation) with cessation programs with dietary salt reduction initiatives.
The aim of the current study was to identify independent prognostic factors, evaluate differential adjuvant chemotherapy efficacy across clinicopathologic subgroups, and define adjuvant chemotherapy-sensitive populations.
A retrospective analysis of 168 AAC patients undergoing curative pancreaticoduodenectomy (2011–2020) was performed. Cases were classified into intestinal (28.0%), pancreatobiliary (30.4%), and mixed subtypes (18.5%) per NCCN (v2.2025) criteria. Independent prognostic factors for AAC patients were identified through uni- and multi-variable Cox proportional hazards modeling and subgroup analyses were stratified by age range, gender, differentiation, T stage, N stage, BVI, TDs, and PNI.
The pancreatobiliary signature (HR = 2.884, P < 0.001) and BVI (HR = 2.330, P = 0.001) were independent poor prognostic factors. Adjuvant chemotherapy improved overall survival (OS) in the following AAC patients: T3–T4 stage (HR = 0.485, P = 0.050); N1–N2 stage (HR = 0.365, P = 0.008); and TD-positive (HR = 0.401, P = 0.026). The median OS increased from 22.3–51.3 months with adjuvant chemotherapy in TD-positive patients (P = 0.019). TD positivity conferred a worse prognosis in BVI-negative subgroups (OS: HR = 3.840, 95% CI: 2.058–7.166, P < 0.001; and progression-free survival (PFS): HR = 2.950, 95% CI: 1.550–5.617, P = 0.002).
The pancreatobiliary signature and BVI constitute critical high-risk pathologic features in AAC. TD status identified high-risk cohorts, thus enabling postoperative risk-stratified treatment strategies. In patients negative for pancreatobiliary signature or BVI, TD positivity predicted significantly worse survival.
Cervical cancer is a growing concern in China, especially among women who reside in rural areas and older women. Understanding age- and region-specific trends in cervical cancer is vital for informing policy and assessing progress toward WHO elimination targets.
The 2000–2020 data from 22 long-standing registries contributing to the China national cancer registry was analyzed to estimate age-standardized incidence and mortality rates (ASIR and ASMR, respectively). Joinpoint regression yielded an average annual percentage change (AAPC) stratified by age group (<35, 35–64, 65–74, and ≥75 y) and by urban-rural area. The comparative analysis included GLOBOCAN Overtime data from selected Asia-Pacific countries.
The ASIR tripled in China between 2000 and 2020 before stabilizing (AAPC = 6.5%), while the ASMR rose steadily (AAPC = 3.9%). The urban incidence declined after 2009 among women <35 y, while rural trends were broadly stable. The ASIR and ASMR increased in urban areas among women 35–64 y of age, while rural areas had a rising ASIR and a stable ASMR, suggesting potential screening effects. In contrast, women ≥65 y of age had a steadily increasing incidence and mortality in rural and urban areas. Australia and Republic of Korea had consistent declines in the ASIRs and ASMRs compared to other Asia-Pacific countries, whereas Japan exhibited rising trends. The Philippines experienced a surge in mortality rates, despite incidence rates remaining stable or declining.
The cervical cancer burden in China has begun to plateau but large disparities persist by age and geography. To achieve elimination of cervical cancer, it is imperative to implement tailored strategies that prioritize the urgent expansion of HPV vaccination programs, the deployment of high-efficacy screening methods, and the universal access to treatment throughout the nation.