| [Purpose] To analyze the current epidemic status of esophageal cancer in the cancer registration areas of Hunan Province in 2022 and to evaluate the temporal trends from 2018 to 2022. [Methods] Surveillance data on esophageal cancer incidence and mortality were collected from 103 qualified cancer registries in Hunan Province from 2018 to 2022. Demographic data were obtained from the annual household registration statistics provided by public security departments. Calculate the crude incidence and mortality rates, age-standardized rates, cumulative rates, and other indicators for esophageal cancer in 2022. Joinpoint regression models were employed to fit log-linear regressions, and temporal trends were analyzed using the Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC). [Results] In 2022, esophageal cancer crude incidence in Hunan’s cancer registration areas reached 5.63/105 (male: 9.28/105, female: 1.73/105); the age?standardized rate referenced to China’s standard population (ASRC) was 2.98/105. The crude mortality rate was 4.77/105 (7.75/105 for males and 1.58/105 for females), with an ASRC of 2.42/105. The risks of both incidence and mortality in males were substantially higher than those in females. Age-specific analysis indicated that the risks of incidence and mortality increased rapidly after the ages of 40 and 45, respectively, both peaking in the 80-84 age group (29.04/105 and 32.32/105, respectively). Trend analysis from 2018 to 2022 revealed that the crude incidence and ASRC declined from 6.72/105 and 3.90/105 in 2018 to 5.63/105 and 2.98/105 in 2022, with AAPC values of -4.45% and -6.92%, respectively (P =0.008, P =0.006). The ASRC of mortality also exhibited a downward trend (AAPC =-4.04%, P =0.017), while the trend for crude mortality was not statistically significant. Gender-stratified analysis showed that the ASRC of incidence declined in both males and females, with AAPC values of -6.64% and -7.80%, respectively (P =0.006, P =0.024). Male ASRC of mortality showed an overall downward trend (AAPC =-3.91%, P =0.033), whereas no statistically significant mortality trend was observed in females. Age-stratified analysis indicated that while the overall incidence trend for the population aged ≤44 was not significant, male incidence in this group decreased (AAPC =-11.83%, P =0.035). For the 45~64 and ≥65 age groups, the AAPC values for ASRC of incidence were -10.69% and -3.63%, respectively. Additionally, the ASRC of mortality for the 45~64 age group declined (AAPC =-8.75%), with all these trends being statistically significant (all P <0.05). [Conclusion] Esophageal cancer incidence and mortality across Hunan’s cancer registries stay below national benchmarks, displaying a clear downward trend. Given the prominent gender differences, prevention and control efforts should prioritize males and the elderly population. |
