Trends in lung cancer incidence by age, sex and histology from 2012 to 2025 in Catalonia (Spain)

Lung cancer remains one the most common cancers in Europe and ranks first in terms of cancer mortality in both sexes. Incidence rates vary by region and depend above all on the prevalence of tobacco consumption. In this study we describe recent trends in lung cancer incidence by sex, age and histological type in Catalonia and project changes according to histology by 2025. Bayesian age-period-cohort models were used to predict trends in lung cancer incidence according to histological type from 2012 to 2025, using data from the population-based Catalan cancer registries. Data suggest a decrease in the absolute number of new cases in men under the age of 70 years and an increase in women aged 60 years or older. Adenocarcinoma was the most common type in both sexes, while squamous cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma were decreasing significantly among men. In both sexes, the incident cases increased by 16% for patients over 70 years. Increases in adenocarcinoma and rising incidence in elderly patients suggest the need to prioritize strategies based on multidisciplinary teams, which should include geriatric specialists.

Automated summary

In Catalonia, there has been a decrease in new cases of lung cancer in men under 70 years old and an increase in women over 60 years old. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type, while squamous cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma are decreasing significantly in men. The incidence of lung cancer has increased by 16% for patients over 70 years old in both sexes.