Analysis on the epidemiological characteristics of esophageal cancer in Huai’an area, China from 2009 to 2011

Objective The aim of our study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of esophageal cancer from 2009 to 2011 in Huai’an area, China. Methods The data about the incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer were provided by Huai’an Cancer Registry, and the epidemiological characteristics of the disease were analyzed. Results Esophageal cancer was not only the first most common cancer, but also the leading cause of cancer death in Huai’an area. The crude and standardized incidence rates were 62.91/10 5 and 49.92/10 5 , and the crude and standardized mortality rates were 46.75/10 5 and 36.87/10 5 , respectively. The sex ratio (male-female) was 1.69:1 in incidence, and the incidence increased in people aged 40 years and over, reaching the peak at the ages of 70–75 years. The mortality rate was at low level under the age of 50 years, but increased after the age of 50 years, reaching the peak at the age of 75–85 years. Incidence and mortality rates varied regionally with the highest rate found in Chuzhou district (90.76/10 5 and 67.17/10 5 ) and lowest rate observed in Qinghe district (32.41/10 5 and 8.75/10 5 ). Conclusion Esophageal cancer is the major burden of cancer in Huai’an area, and has marked geographic distribution difference. The key period of age for screening and prevention of the disease is 55–85 years old.