The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) has collaborated with the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) to analyse the global distribution, risk factors and epidemiological trends of laryngeal cancer.

These novel results showed that the incidence of laryngeal cancer is related to different places’ per capita GDP, Human Development Index (HDI), and levels of unhealthy lifestyle habits and exposure to metabolic risk factors.

The incidence and mortality rates are generally higher in middle- and high-income countries and regions. Crucially, researchers highlighted that despite the decline in the global incidence of laryngeal cancer over the past decade, both the incidence and mortality rates among women in certain regions have increased. The research team urgently calls for further exploration of the reasons for the increased burden of laryngeal cancer in women.

Although the global incidence rate of laryngeal cancer has been generally declining over the past decade, there are indications of an increase in the incidence among women in certain areas. The Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) in female incidence rates has significantly increased, with Japan, Switzerland and the Czech Republic showing the most notable rises.

The study urges policymakers in various regions to implement targeted, evidence-based prevention strategies, such as smoking cessation and alcohol control measures, to manage the risk factors.