In:
Public Health Reports, SAGE Publications, Vol. 125, No. 1 ( 2010-01), p. 28-43
Abstract:
Rare cancers have been traditionally understudied, reducing the progress of research and hindering decisions for patients, physicians, and policy makers. We evaluated the descriptive epidemiology of rare cancers using a large, representative, population-based dataset from cancer registries in the United States. Methods. We analyzed more than 9 million adult cancers diagnosed from 1995 to 2004 in 39 states and two metropolitan areas using the Cancer in North America (CINA) dataset, which covers approximately 80% of the U.S. population. We applied an accepted cancer classification scheme and a published definition of rare (i.e., fewer than 15 cases per 100,000 per year). We calculated age-adjusted incidence rates and rare/non-rare incidence rate ratios using SEER*Stat software, with analyses stratified by gender, age, race/ethnicity, and histology. Results. Sixty of 71 cancer types were rare, accounting for 25% of all adult tumors. Rare cancers occurred with greater relative frequency among those who were younger, nonwhite, and of Hispanic ethnicity than among their older, white, or non-Hispanic counterparts. Conclusions. Collectively, rare tumors account for a sizable portion of adult cancers, and disproportionately affect some demographic groups. Maturing population-based cancer surveillance data can be an important source for research on rare cancers, potentially leading to a greater understanding of these cancers and eventually to improved treatment, control, and prevention.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0033-3549
,
1468-2877
DOI:
10.1177/003335491012500106
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2010
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2017700-8
SSG:
20,1
SSG:
27
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