Work

Prevalence and trends in long-term survivors of early-onset vs. late-onset cancer: a serial cross-sectional study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: With increasing global cancer survivorship, understanding differential trends by age at diagnosis is crucial for developing targeted care strategies. This study examines 27-year trends in early-onset (20-49 years) vs. late-onset (≥50 years) cancer survivorship in the US population. Methods: We analyzed nationally representative data from the National Health Interview Survey (1997-2023), identifying adults surviving ≥5 years post-diagnosis. Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated, and temporal trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression to compute average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Women represented 72.7% of early-onset cancer survivors, compared to 51.5% of late-onset cancer survivors. From 1997 to 2023, both prevalence of early-onset (AAPC 1.7, 95% CI: 1.4 to 2.0) and late-onset (AAPC 1.9, 95% CI: 1.7 to 2.1) cancer survivors increased significantly. The prevalence of male early-onset cancer survivors rose the most sharply (AAPC 3.1, 95% CI: 2.5 to 3.8), compared to prevalence of late-onset (AAPC 1.9, 95% CI: 1.6 to 2.3) or female cancer survivors (AAPC early-onset 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.6; late-onset 1.7, 95% CI: 1.5 to 2.0). College-educated individuals had higher baseline prevalence and faster growth. Similarly, high-income groups showed elevated prevalence (early-onset 2.65%; late-onset 8.22%) and the most rapid increase was found in late-onset cancer survivors (AAPC 3.2, 95% CI: 2.5 to 3.9). Conclusion: These findings demonstrate universal increases in cancer survivorship with distinct socioeconomic and gender patterns, highlighting the need for tailored survivorship programs and targeted policies to address emerging disparities in long-term cancer care.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1714359

Authors: Qiang Yin, Run Xu, Dongmei Wang, Jian Li

Institution: Mianyang Third People's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Global Cancer Incidence and Screening

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801