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. 2024 Oct 8;21(10):1333.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph21101333.

A Population-Based Analysis of the Cancer Incidence in Individuals under 50 in a Northern Italian Province: Focusing on Regional Disparities and Public Health Implications

Lucia Mangone  1 , Francesco Marinelli  1 , Isabella Bisceglia  1 , Francesca Roncaglia  1 , Fortunato Morabito  2 , Cinzia Testa  3 , Carmine Pinto  4 , Antonino Neri  5
Affiliations

A Population-Based Analysis of the Cancer Incidence in Individuals under 50 in a Northern Italian Province: Focusing on Regional Disparities and Public Health Implications

Lucia Mangone et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

International studies have shown an increase in cancer incidence among young adults, raising public concern. This study aims examines trends in the cancer incidence among individuals aged 15-49 years in a province of Northern Italy, covering diagnoses from 1996 to 2021, and compares the annual percentage change (APC) with national and international data. In males, the overall cancer incidence showed a modest increase between 1996 and 2013 (APC 1.6), followed by a decline in the subsequent years (APC -2.5). In females, there was a modest increase over the entire period (APC 1.0). The lung cancer incidence decreased in both sexes (APC -3.9 in males and APC -3.3 in females), while a decrease was observed for colorectal cancers in women (APC -2.4). Since 2015, the thyroid cancer incidence declined significantly in females (APC -10.2), while an increase was noted in males (APC 2.5). The testicular cancer incidence rose in males (APC 1.5), and the melanoma incidence increased in both sexes (APC 3.4 in males and APC 3.9 in females). The breast cancer incidence remained stable (APC 0.3). These results underline the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles even among younger generations to address emerging cancer trends and support cancer prevention efforts.

Keywords: cancer trends; epidemiology; public health strategies; regional disparities; risk factors; screening practices; young cancer.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Reggio Emilia Cancer Registry. Years of 1996–2021. Incidence trends in the under-50 population for all cancers for males (A) and females (B) and in the breast (C), testis (D), lung (E), colorectum (F), thyroid (G), and melanoma (H). * statistically significant.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Reggio Emilia Cancer Registry. Years of 1996–2021. Incidence trends in breast (A) and colorectal cancer (B), divided by age groups.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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