Uniform Risk Profiles in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Across Sex and Age: Unmasking Smoking's Pivotal Role
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a multifactorial aetiology. Although the incidence of NPC varies markedly by sex and age, it remains unclear whether the profile of risk factors differs across these demographic groups. We aimed to compare the sex and age groups. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 123 patients with histopathologically confirmed NPC. They completed a structured, questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.79–0.85). It assessed the family history, lifestyle (smoking and dietary habits), and environmental exposure (passive smoking, household/occupational exposure, and chronic nasopharyngitis). Risk scores were categorised into "no-to-low" and "medium-to-high". Chi-square tests with continuity correction and binary logistic regression were used to compare risk profiles between sexes (male vs. female) and age groups (< 40 vs. ≥40 y). Results The male-to-female ratio was 2:1 (82:41). Mean age was 47.6 y (SD ± 14.2), with 34 (27.6%) < 40 y and 89 (72.4%) ≥ 40 y. A family history of cancer was reported in 21 (17.1%) patients. No significant differences were found between the sexes for family history, lifestyle, environmental exposure risks, or combined total risk scores (all p > 0.05). However, active smoking was significantly more prevalent among males in both bivariate (p < 0.001) and multivariate analysis (AOR = 10.38, 95% CI: 4.52–23.84, p < 0.001). Similarly, no significant differences were observed between age groups for most variables, except for passive smoke exposure, which was significantly more prevalent in younger patients (38.2% vs. 18.0%, p = 0.033). Multivariate analysis confirmed passive smoke exposure as the only independent predictor of younger age at diagnosis (AOR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.22–7.68, p = 0.017). Conclusion The risk factor profile for NPC was similar between sexes and age groups. However, active and passive smoke exposure were independently associated with younger age at diagnosis.
Source: Research Square
Language: English
Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies
Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7160054412