| [Purpose] To analyze the incidence of malignant tumors among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in Qidong from 1972 to 2021, and to provide scientific evidence for precise prevention and control strategies in this population. [Methods] Data on malignant tumors among individuals aged 15–39 years from January 1, 1972, to December 31, 2021, were obtained from the Qidong Cancer Registry. Crude incidence rates (CR), age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese standard population (ASRC) and world standard population (ASRW) were calculated. Joinpoint regression (version 5.0.2) was used to estimate annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) in incidence trends. [Results] A total of 11,051 malignant tumors were diagnosed among AYAs in Qidong between 1972 and 2021, including 6,764 cases in males and 4,287 in females. The overall CR was 53.26/105 (65.52/105 in males; 41.12/105 in females), the ASRC was 41.72/105 (66.89/105 in males; 41.72/105 in females), while the ASRW was 46.58/105 (57.18/105 in males; 36.13/105 in females). Incidence increased with age and exhibited a decline-then-rise pattern across all age groups(all P < 0.05), except for individuals aged 35–39 years during 2007–2013. Among those, the most pronounced increases in the past decade were observed in the 30–34 and 35–39 age groups, with APCs of 14.23% (t = 3.17, P = 0.003) and 11.38% (t = 4.10, P = 0.002), respectively. The cancer spectrum shifted substantially over the five decades: in 1972–1976, the top five cancers were liver cancer, female breast cancer, stomach cancer, leukemia, and colorectal cancer; in contrast, during 2017–2021, thyroid cancer, female breast cancer, cervical cancer, leukemia, and lung cancer ranked highest. Among major cancers, liver cancer ASRW showed the greatest decline (AAPC = ?3.62%, t = ?5.56, P < 0.001), while thyroid cancer had the highest upward trend (AAPC = 10.87%, t = 5.01, P < 0.001). Significant upward trends were also observed for female breast cancer (AAPC = 1.74%, t = 2.35, P = 0.047), cervical cancer (AAPC = 7.03%, t = 4.73, P < 0.001), leukemia (AAPC = 1.22%, t = 5.56, P < 0.001), lung cancer (AAPC = 2.41%, t = 5.04, P = 0.001), and tumors of the brain and central nervous system (AAPC = 2.65%, t = 10.79, P < 0.001), whereas changes for gastric cancer, colon and rectal cancer, and lymphoma were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05). [Conclusion] Over the past five decades, ASRW of malignant tumors among AYAs in Qidong City showed a decline before 2013 followed by a significant increase thereafter. Thyroid cancer, female breast cancer, cervical cancer, leukemia, and lung cancer are currently the major cancer types with increasing burden. Future prevention and control strategies should prioritize individuals aged 30–39 years and develop targeted interventions for these key malignancies. |