Age related trends in the incidence of endometrial cancer in South East England 1962-1997.
Important population demographic changes have occurred over the last 50 years in the UK. Birth rates have fallen, obesity rates have increased and there has been an increase in the use of reproductive hormones, factors which may influence the epidemiology of endometrial cancer. We analysed the age-related trends in the incidence of endometrial cancer in South East England between 1962 and 1997 to determine if there was a correlation with the population demographic changes over this time period. We undertook a retrospective review of systematically collected data, looking specifically at the change in overall incidence of endometrial cancer and the age-related incidence for each five year group from 25 to 85 + years. The overall incidence of endometrial cancer remained unchanged over the 35-year study period. In women aged 35-54 years there was a decrease in incidence of endometrial cancer and this was significant in the 40-45 year age group. The study also revealed a statistically significant increase in incidence of endometrial cancer in women aged over 65 years with a greater rate of increase in older women, particularly those aged over 85. Thus, there is evidence from this study of significant changes in the age-related incidence of endometrial cancer in the 35-year study period that may be explained by alterations in life style and behaviour. The increased incidence in women aged 85 and over have potential implications for the planning and provision of cancer services in the future.
Somoye
G
G
Chase Farm Barnet Hospital Trust, London, UK.
Olaitan
A
A
Mocroft
A
A
Jacobs
I
I
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001519:Behavior; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies