Age‐specific incidence trends of 32 cancers in China, 1983 to 2032: Evidence from Cancer Incidence in Five Continents

The long‐term incidence trends of 32 cancers in China remained unclear. Cancer statistics for young population were often presented in aggregate, masking important heterogeneity. We aimed to assess the incidence trends of 32 cancers in China from 1983 to 2032, stratified by sex and age groups. Data on cancer incidence from 1983 to 2017 were extracted from Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Volumes VI–XII. The age‐period‐cohort model was utilized to assess age and birth cohort effects on the temporal trends of 32 cancers in China, while the Bayesian age‐period‐cohort model was utilized to project future trends from 2018 to 2032. An increase in cohort effects is observed in some cancers such as thyroid and kidney cancers. Eight of the 12 obesity‐related cancers may rise in the 0–14 age group, and nine in the 15–39 age group from 2013 to 2032. Liver and stomach cancers show an increasing trend among the younger population, contrasting with the observed declining trend in the middle‐aged population. There has been a significant rise in the proportions of cervical cancer among females aged 40–64 (4.3%–19.1%), and prostate cancer among males aged 65+ (1.1%–11.8%) from 1983 to 2032. Cancer spectrum in China is shifting toward that in developed countries. Incidence rates of most cancers across different age groups may increase in recent cohorts. It is essential to insist effective preventive interventions, and promote healthier lifestyles, such as reducing obesity, especially among younger population. What's New? Insights into the long‐term incidence trends of common cancers in China are lacking. This study estimates the incidence trends of 32 cancers in China from 1983 to 2032, stratified by sex and age group. The incidence rates of most cancers across different age groups in China show signs of increase in recent cohorts. Liver and stomach cancers exhibit contrasting trends across different age groups. The proportions of cervical and prostate cancers are increasing. The cancer spectrum in China is shifting toward that in developed countries. The findings underscore the importance of effective prevention interventions, especially among the younger populations.