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Emerging Trends in Global Cancer Epidemiology: 2nd Edition
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Emerging Trends in Global Cancer Epidemiology: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2025 | Viewed by 7823

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Syed Ahsan Raza

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Guest Editor
Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Interests: cancer epidemiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer is a major public health challenge worldwide, with millions of new cases diagnosed every year. Understanding global trends in cancer incidence, mortality, prevalence, and survival across diverse populations is crucial in the field of cancer epidemiology and for identifying risk factors and potential preventive strategies. Over the past few decades, there have been many advances in cancer epidemiological research, including the use of large-scale data sets, new statistical methods, and innovative approaches to study design and analysis.

The goal of this Special Issue is to present an overview of the latest developments and trends in global cancer research. This Special Issue seeks to publish original research articles, reviews, and commentaries that highlight new and emerging trends in global cancer epidemiology. We also invite submissions on various topics related to the latest trends in global cancer epidemiology, including but not limited to the following:

  1. Cancer incidence, mortality, prevalence, and survival trends across different populations and geographic regions;
  2. Novel data sources and methods for cancer epidemiology research, including genomics, digital health, and machine learning;
  3. The impact of social, environmental, and lifestyle factors on cancer risk and outcomes, including the role of diet, physical activity, and air pollution;
  4. The effectiveness of cancer prevention and control strategies at the population level, including screening, early detection, and treatment;
  5. The challenges and opportunities related to cancer epidemiology research in the context of global health, including data quality, ethics, and equity.

This Special Issue on new trends in global cancer epidemiology will provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to share their latest findings, insights, and perspectives on cancer epidemiology research. This Special Issue will also contribute to the advancement of knowledge and understanding of cancer as a global health challenge and inform the development of effective cancer prevention and control strategies at the population level.

Dr. Syed Ahsan Raza
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cancer epidemiology
  • global cancer research
  • incidence
  • prevention and control strategies
  • risk factors
  • data sources and methods
  • social and environmental impact
  • population health
  • emerging trends
  • survival and mortality

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1873 KiB  
Article
Rising Incidence and Mortality of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer in Young Cohorts Associated with Delayed Diagnosis
by Yazan Abboud, Anand Shah, Madison Fraser, Eric M. Montminy, Chun-Wei Pan, Kaveh Hajifathalian, Paul J. Gaglio and Ahmed Al-Khazraji
Cancers 2025, 17(9), 1500; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17091500 - 29 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background and Aims: Prior data showed an increasing incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) in the US. However, there are limited comprehensive data on recent EO-CRC incidence and mortality per different age cohorts and tumor characteristics. We aimed to evaluate EO-CRC incidence [...] Read more.
Background and Aims: Prior data showed an increasing incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) in the US. However, there are limited comprehensive data on recent EO-CRC incidence and mortality per different age cohorts and tumor characteristics. We aimed to evaluate EO-CRC incidence and mortality in different populations. Methods: Age-adjusted EO-CRC incidence rates were calculated from the USCS database between 2001 and 2021. Age-adjusted EO-CRC mortality rates were calculated from the NCHS database between 2000 and 2022 and the SEER database between 2004 and 2021. The age groups were 20–44 years and 45–54 years. Tumors were categorized by anatomical location (right, transverse, left, and proximal) and stage at diagnosis (early and late). The annual and average annual percentage changes (AAPC) were estimated using joinpoint regression. Age-specific pairwise comparison was conducted. Results: A total of 474,601 patients were diagnosed with EO-CRC between 2001 and 2021. The EO-CRC incidence increased in patients aged 20–44 years faster than in those aged 45–54 years (AAPC = 1.51 vs. 0.73; AAPC difference = 0.78, p = 0.001). This was most notable in proximal colon tumors (AAPC difference = 0.88, p < 0.001). While the incidence of early-stage tumors decreased in recent years across all anatomical locations, late-stage tumors increased, mostly in the proximal colon (AAPC = 2.44). A total of 147,026 patients died from EO-CRC between 2000 and 2022. Mortality increased in patients aged 20–44 years faster than in patients aged 45–54 years, who had a stable trend (AAPC difference = 0.85, p < 0.001). The increase in mortality was noted in both early- and late-stage tumors. Conclusions: Our study provides epidemiologic evidence showing an alarming increase in EO-CRC incidence and mortality among patients aged 20–44 years compared to those aged 45–54 years, which is associated with delayed diagnosis, and mostly in proximal colon tumors. Expanding screening efforts to younger populations and addressing healthcare disparities are essential for improving early detection and outcomes for younger patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Global Cancer Epidemiology: 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 2533 KiB  
Article
Temporal Dynamics and Clinical Predictors of Brain Metastasis in Breast Cancer: A Two-Decade Cohort Analysis Toward Tailored CNS Screening
by Fernando Terry, Eduardo Orrego-Gonzalez, Alejandro Enríquez-Marulanda, Niels Pacheco-Barrios, Martin Merenzon, Ricardo J. Komotar and Rafael A. Vega
Cancers 2025, 17(6), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17060946 - 11 Mar 2025
Viewed by 539
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. It is also the second most frequent source of brain metastases (BMs), contributing to 5–20% of cases. Despite this, routine brain imaging for screening [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. It is also the second most frequent source of brain metastases (BMs), contributing to 5–20% of cases. Despite this, routine brain imaging for screening is not recommended and is only conducted when clinical symptoms or physical findings suggest metastasis. This study aims to identify clinical predictors associated with overall survival (OS) and the timing of BM development in breast cancer patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of medical records for 113 patients diagnosed with BMs secondary to breast cancer at our institution between 2000 and 2020. Baseline demographic data and clinical characteristics related to BMs were collected. To identify factors associated with OS and time to BM development after breast cancer diagnosis, we conducted univariate analysis using Kaplan–Meier curves, bivariate analysis with the log-rank test, and multivariate analysis via the Cox Proportional Hazard model. Results: An early diagnosis of BMs was identified as a significant predictor of prolonged OS (aHR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.049–0.98, p = 0.05). Post-menopausal status at breast cancer diagnosis (aHR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.13–2.53, p = 0.01), Asian ethnicity (aHR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.03–5.16, p = 0.04), and the ER+/HER2+ subtype (aHR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.14–3.71, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with a shorter time to BM diagnosis. A subgroup analysis of patients with ER+ breast tumors revealed that Hispanic or Arabic ethnicity (aHR = 3.63; 95% CI: 1.34–9.81, p = 0.01) and stage IV diagnosis (aHR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.16–3.76, p = 0.01) were significantly associated with shorter intervals to BM diagnosis. Conclusions: Breast cancer remains a significant global health burden for women, yet clear guidelines for routine BMs screening are still lacking. Early detection of BMs has been shown to notably improve long-term survival outcomes. Additionally, post-menopausal status, Hispanic or Arabic ethnicity, and the HER2+ tumor subtype are associated with shorter time to BM development, highlighting these factors as potential indicators for central nervous system screening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Global Cancer Epidemiology: 2nd Edition)
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23 pages, 1974 KiB  
Article
Real-World Quality-of-Life Data in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Treated with CDK4/6 Inhibitors Using Four Assessment Tools
by Ioana-Miruna Stanciu and Cornelia Nitipir
Cancers 2025, 17(5), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17050818 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 675
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the impact of the type of CDK4/6 inhibitor administered and comorbidities on the quality of life in patients with metastatic breast cancer, as well as the correlation between quality of life and patient outcomes. Materials and Methods: This prospective single-center [...] Read more.
Purpose: To evaluate the impact of the type of CDK4/6 inhibitor administered and comorbidities on the quality of life in patients with metastatic breast cancer, as well as the correlation between quality of life and patient outcomes. Materials and Methods: This prospective single-center study utilized four internationally validated questionnaires: the EORTC QLQ-C30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), administered to a cohort of 76 patients undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer with CDK4/6 inhibitors. Results: Ribociclib is associated with fewer insomnia problems and appears to provide better sleep quality compared to other CDK4/6 inhibitors. Mental fatigue and loss of appetite negatively influence patient survival. Patients with comorbidities reported more severe insomnia and constipation. Comorbidities are associated with a lower quality of life, reflected in greater fatigue, insomnia, and constipation, as well as increased scores for depression and stress. Conclusions: Assessing global quality of life in metastatic breast cancer patients is essential, as it can predict patient progression and should be integrated into every breast cancer unit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Global Cancer Epidemiology: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 439 KiB  
Article
Impact of Screening on Mortality for Patients Diagnosed with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Safety-Net Healthcare System: An Opportunity for Addressing Disparities
by Kalyani Narra, Madison Hull, Kari J. Teigen, Vedaamrutha Reddy, Jolonda C. Bullock, Riyaz Basha, Nadia Alawi-Kakomanolis, David E. Gerber and Timothy J. Brown
Cancers 2024, 16(22), 3829; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16223829 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1183
Abstract
Purpose: We describe the impact of screening on outcomes of patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in an urban safety-net healthcare system compared to a non-screened cohort diagnosed with HCC. Methods: Patients diagnosed with HCC at John Peter Smith Health Network were identified [...] Read more.
Purpose: We describe the impact of screening on outcomes of patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in an urban safety-net healthcare system compared to a non-screened cohort diagnosed with HCC. Methods: Patients diagnosed with HCC at John Peter Smith Health Network were identified by querying the hospital tumor registry and allocated to the screened cohort if they had undergone any liver imaging within one year prior to HCC diagnosis, while the remainder were allocated to the non-screened cohort. Kaplan–Meier methods and log-rank tests were used to compare 3-year survival curves from an index date of HCC diagnosis. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The Duffy adjustment was used to address lead-time bias. Results: A total of 158 patients were included (n = 53 screened, n = 105 non-screened). The median overall survival (OS) for the screened cohort was 19.0 months (95% CI: 9.9–NA) and that for the non-screened cohort was 5.4 months (95% CI: 3.7–8.5) [HR death (non-screened vs. screened) = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.6-3.6; log rank p < 0.0001]. The benefit of screening remained after adjusting for lead-time bias (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.4–3.3, p = 0.0002). Conclusions: In an urban safety-net population, screening for HCC was associated with improved outcomes compared to patients diagnosed with HCC outside of a screening protocol. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Global Cancer Epidemiology: 2nd Edition)
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Review

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33 pages, 6663 KiB  
Review
Vitamin D in Cancer Prevention and Treatment: A Review of Epidemiological, Preclinical, and Cellular Studies
by Siva Dallavalasa, SubbaRao V. Tulimilli, Vidya G. Bettada, Medha Karnik, Chinnappa A. Uthaiah, Preethi G. Anantharaju, Suma M. Nataraj, Rajalakshmi Ramashetty, Olga A. Sukocheva, Edmund Tse, Paramahans V. Salimath and SubbaRao V. Madhunapantula
Cancers 2024, 16(18), 3211; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16183211 - 20 Sep 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5208
Abstract
Background: Inhibition of human carcinomas has previously been linked to vitamin D due to its effects on cancer cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis induction. The anticancer activity of vitamin D has been confirmed by several studies, which have shown that increased cancer [...] Read more.
Background: Inhibition of human carcinomas has previously been linked to vitamin D due to its effects on cancer cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis induction. The anticancer activity of vitamin D has been confirmed by several studies, which have shown that increased cancer incidence is associated with decreased vitamin D and that dietary supplementation of vitamin D slows down the growth of xenografted tumors in mice. Vitamin D inhibits the growth of cancer cells by the induction of apoptosis as well as by arresting the cells at the G0/G1 (or) G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Aim and Key Scientific Concepts of the Review: The purpose of this article is to thoroughly review the existing information and discuss and debate to conclude whether vitamin D could be used as an agent to prevent/treat cancers. The existing empirical data have demonstrated that vitamin D can also work in the absence of vitamin D receptors (VDRs), indicating the presence of multiple mechanisms of action for this sunshine vitamin. Polymorphism in the VDR is known to play a key role in tumor cell metastasis and drug resistance. Although there is evidence that vitamin D has both therapeutic and cancer-preventive properties, numerous uncertainties and concerns regarding its use in cancer treatment still exist. These include (a) increased calcium levels in individuals receiving therapeutic doses of vitamin D to suppress the growth of cancer cells; (b) hyperglycemia induction in certain vitamin D-treated study participants; (c) a dearth of evidence showing preventive or therapeutic benefits of cancer in clinical trials; (d) very weak support from proof-of-principle studies; and (e) the inability of vitamin D alone to treat advanced cancers. Addressing these concerns, more potent and less toxic vitamin D analogs have been created, and these are presently undergoing clinical trial evaluation. To provide key information regarding the functions of vitamin D and VDRs, this review provided details of significant advancements in the functional analysis of vitamin D and its analogs and VDR polymorphisms associated with cancers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Global Cancer Epidemiology: 2nd Edition)
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