Epidemiology and Inequality in the Incidence and Mortality of Nasopharynx Cancer in Asia

Abstract

ObjectivesOne of the most common head and neck cancers is nasopharynx cancer. Knowledge about the incidence and mortality of this disease and its distribution in terms of geographical areas is necessary for further study and better planning. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the incidence and mortality rates of nasopharynx cancer and its relationship with the Human Development Index (HDI) in Asia in 2012.MethodsThe aim of this ecologic study was to assess the correlation between age-specific incidence rate (ASIR) and age-specific mortality rate (ASMR) with HDI and its components, which include the following: life expectancy at birth, mean years of schooling, and gross national income per capita. Data about SIR and SMR for every Asian country for 2012 were obtained from the global cancer project. We used the correlation bivariate method for the assessment. Statistical significance was assumed if p < 0.05. All reported p values are two-sided. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (Version 15.0, SPSS Inc.).ResultsA total of 68,272 cases (males, 71.02%; females, 28.97%; sex ratio, 2.45) and 40,530 mortalities (males, 71.63%; females, 28.36%; sex ratio, 2.52) were recorded in Asian countries in 2012. The five countries with the highest ASIR of nasopharynx cancer were Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brunei, and the five countries with the highest ASMR were Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei. The correlation between HDI and ASIR was 0.097 (p = 0.520) [0.105 in men (p = 0.488) and 0.119 in women (p = 0.901)]. The correlation between HDI and ASMR was –0.102 (p = 0.502) [–0.072 in men (p = 0.633) and –0.224 in women (p = 0.134)].ConclusionNasopharynx cancer is native to Southeast Asia. The highest incidence and mortality rates are found in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brunei. No significant relation was found between the standardized incidence and mortality rates of nasopharynx cancer and the HDI components. Further studies are recommended in Southeast Asian countries in order to find the etiology of cancer, as well as its diagnosis and treatment.

Pembrolizumab in Asia‐Pacific patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Analyses from KEYNOTE‐012

“…Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma poses a significant public health burden in the Asia‐Pacific region. The global incidence of HNSCC tops 600 000 cases annually, with more than half of all cases originating in the Asia‐Pacific region . In addition to the traditional HNSCC risk factors (ie, tobacco and alcohol use and human papillomavirus infection), other cultural influences, such as the chewing of betel nut, the consumption of products high in nitroso compounds, and exposure to Epstein–Barr virus, contribute to an increase in the occurrence of HNSCC in this region …”

“…HNSCC tops 600 000 cases annually, with more than half of all cases originating in the Asia-Pacific region. [1][2][3] In addition to the traditional HNSCC risk factors (ie, tobacco and alcohol use and human papillomavirus infection), 4,5 other cultural influences, such as the chewing of betel nut, the consumption of products high in nitroso compounds, and exposure to Epstein-Barr virus, contribute to an increase in the occurrence of HNSCC in this region. [6][7][8] In Asia, a multimodal approach that combines platinum-based chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and another agent (preferably cetuximab), is recommended for the treatment of patients with recurrent/ metastatic HNSCC.…”

Isolation and Purification of Active Antimicrobial Peptides from Hermetia illucens L., and Its Effects on CNE2 Cells

“…More and more attentions were paid on the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) for its high incidence rates in Asia. Data from IARC showed that the incidence rates of NPC were up to 71.02% for men, which was nearly 2.45 times higher than that of women in Asian countries, especially in the country of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and China (Mahdavifar et al, 2016). Currently, the traditional surgery combined with chemoradiotherapy was widely applied during its therapy.…”

Epstein‐Barr virus strain variation and cancer

“…Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is an EBV‐associated epithelial carcinoma, and is common in South China and Southeast Asia (Figure ) . More than 97% of NPC are EBV‐positive, and the tight link between NPC and EBV is observed worldwide .…”

“…Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is an EBV-associated epithelial carcinoma, and is common in South China and Southeast Asia (Figure 1). 12 More than 97% of NPC are EBV-positive, 13 and the tight link between NPC and EBV is observed worldwide. 3 Several predisposing factors have been postulated, including host immune-related genes such as human leukocyte antigens, 14 and environmental factors such as dietary habits (i.e.…”