Trends in Stage-Specific Kidney Cancer Incidence in Kazakhstan, 2005-2019

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Kidney cancer incidence is a growing global concern.
• Understanding regional variations and demographic trends is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze kidney cancer incidence trends in Kazakhstan over 15 years.
• To examine variations by stage, age, sex, and morphological verification.
• To identify regional disparities in incidence rates.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective oncoepidemiological study using descriptive and analytical methods.
• Calculation of crude and age-specific incidence rates.
• Joinpoint regression analysis to determine trends (Average Percentage Change - APC).

Main Results:

• 15,277 cases documented, with a male predominance (53.7%).
• Peak incidence in the 50-69 age groups, with rising average age at diagnosis.
• Increasing crude incidence rates, higher in northern regions.
• Increase in early-stage (I-II) diagnoses, decrease in late-stage (III-IV) diagnoses.
• Rising morphological verification rates, with regional variations.

Conclusions:

• Kidney cancer incidence is increasing in Kazakhstan, mirroring global trends.
• Regional disparities and varied stage distributions underscore epidemiological complexity.
• Improved surveillance and diagnostic practices are needed to address persistent delayed diagnoses.