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Changing epidemiology and trends in incidence of oesophageal cancer in England, 1985-2017

Version 3 2023-07-14, 13:39
Version 2 2023-07-14, 13:37
Version 1 2023-06-10, 01:37
presentation
posted on 2023-07-14, 13:39 authored by C Chimba, P Bannister, Anjum MemonAnjum Memon

Background 

The incidence of oesophageal cancer has been steadily increasing over the past 30 years in many countries. The UK has the highest incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in the world which is associated with obesity and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. The study aimed to determine trends in the incidence of oesophageal cancer in England between 1985-2017. 

Methods 

Individual-level data for patients diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in England were obtained from the Office for National Statistics/Public Health England. The national population-based cancer registry data were analysed to determine changes in oesophageal cancer incidence (ICD-10 code: C15) by sex, age (0-49, 50+) and histological subtype. Percentage change in incidence rates was calculated using the change in average annual incidence rate from the first (1985-89) to the last time period (2015-17). 

Results 

During the 33-year study period, 199,489 cases of oesophageal cancer were registered in England (63.5% males, 36.5% females) with adenocarcinoma accounting for 50.9% of cases. The average annual number of cases increased from 4595/year in 1985-89 to 7612/year in 2015-17. The average annual incidence rates increased by 42%, from 9.7/100,000 in 1985-89 to 13.8/100,000 in 2015-17. The incidence of adenocarcinoma increased by 77%, from 4.6/100,000 in 1985-89 to 8.1/100,000 in 2015-17. The incidence of squamous-cell carcinoma was unchanged. The steepest increase in adenocarcinoma was observed in males (more than two-folds as compared to females). 

Conclusions 

Over the study period, there was an increase in the incidence of oesophageal cancer in England. The largest increase was seen in rates of adenocarcinoma. Considering obesity has a strong temporal association with oesophageal adenocarcinoma, further research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms of this association to inform public health efforts to reduce the prevalence of obesity. 

Key messages 

  • Further research and analysis of routinely collected data on histological subtypes of oesophageal cancer can provide insight into the increasing trend in incidence. 
  • Considering the strong association between obesity and oesophageal adenocarcinoma, this research highlights the benefits of reducing the prevalence of obesity.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

European Journal of Public Health

ISSN

1101-1262

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Issue

IsSup3

Volume

31

Page range

iii425-iii425

Event name

14th European Public Health (EPH) Conference

Event location

Virtual

Event type

conference

Event date

10-12 November 2021

Department affiliated with

  • Primary Care and Public Health Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2022-03-11

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2021-11-02

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