Soil selenium and oesophageal cancer incidence in China: a large ecological study of population-based cancer registry data
Incidence rates of oesophageal cancer (EC), predominantly oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), in areas of China are the highest worldwide. Selenium, a trace element linked to ESCC risk, likely plays a role in ESCC’s enigmatic spatial distribution. We investigated the association between soil selenium and EC incidence in China. We conducted a large ecological study using 2016 population-based EC incidence data from 486 cancer registry catchments covering 380 million people and 74,000 EC cases. We assigned mean soil selenium concentrations to each area from geospatial maps. Age-standardized EC incidence rates (ASRs) were computed. We used linear regression models to estimate approximate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for ASRs across soil selenium quintiles and for areas classified as deficient (≤ 0.2 mg/kg). The distribution of ASRs differed above and below the selenium deficiency threshold (0.2 mg/kg). Above, 100% of ASRs in females and 87% in males were < 15/100,000. Below, 81% of ASRs in females and 36% in males were < 15/100,000, with ASRs having a wide range (0 – 117.5 per 100,000 person-years). Soil selenium-deficient areas were linked to more than twofold increased EC incidence among males (IRR: 2.45; 95% CI: 2.13, 2.81) and threefold among females (IRR: 3.35; 95% CI: 2.67, 4.19). These findings support the hypothesis of selenium’s role in the incidence of EC, which may arise from increased susceptibility to the carcinogenic effects of other exposures in selenium-deficient areas. In China, all EC hotspots occur in selenium deficient areas, yet there are selenium deficient areas with low EC rates.
- Research Article
29
- 10.3978/j.issn.1000-9604.2015.10.06
- Nov 13, 2015
- Chinese journal of cancer research = Chung-kuo yen cheng yen chiu
Hebei province is located in North of China with of approximately 6% of whole national population. It is known as a high-risk area for esophageal cancer in China and worldwide. The aim of our study was to estimate the esophageal cancer burden and trend in Hebei Province. Eight cancer registries in Hebei Province submitted cancer registry data to the Hebei Provincial Cancer Registry Center. All data were qualified and compiled for cancer statistics in 2011. The pooled data were stratified by gender and age group (0, 1-4, 5-9, 10-14…80+). Incidence and mortality rates were age-standardized to World Segi's population standard and expressed per 100,000 persons. In addition, proportions and cumulative incidence/mortality rates for esophageal cancer were calculated. Esophageal cancer mortality data during the periods 1973-1975, 1990-1992, and 2004-2005 were extracted from the national death surveys. Mortality and incidence rate data from Cixian and Shexian were obtained from population-based cancer registries in each county. The estimated number of newly diagnosed esophageal cancer cases and deaths in 2011 in Hebei Province was 24,318 and 18,226, respectively. The crude incidence rate of esophageal cancer was 33.37/100,000 (males, 42.18/100,000 and females, 24.31/100,000). The age-standardized rate by world standard population (ASRW) was 28.09/100,000, ranking third among all cancers. The esophageal cancer mortality rate was 25.01/100,000 (males, 31.40/100,000 and females, 18.45/100,000), ranking third in deaths among all cancers. The mortality rates of esophageal cancer displayed a significant decreasing trend in Hebei Province from 1973-1975 (ASRW =48.69/100,000) to 2004-2005 (ASRW =28.02/100,000), with a decreased rate of 42.45%. In Cixian, the incidence of esophageal cancer decreased from 250.76/100,000 to 106.74/100,000 in males and from 153.86/100,000 to 75.41/100,000 in females, with annual percentage changes (APC) of 2.13 and 2.16, while the mortality rates declined with an APC of 2.46 for males and 3.10 for females from 1988 to 2011. In Shexian, the incidence rate decreased from 116.90/100,000 to 74.12/100,000 in males and from 46.98/100,000 to 40.64/100,000 in females, while the mortality rates declined, with an APC of 4.89 in males from 2003 to 2011. Although the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer remain high, an obvious decreasing trend has been observed in Hebei Province, as well as in high-risk regions, such as Cixian and Shexian, over the past 40 years.
- Research Article
14
- 10.15419/bmrat.v4i9.368
- Sep 20, 2017
- Biomedical Research and Therapy
Introduction: Understanding the epidemiology of Esophageal Cancer (EC) seems to be essential in order to plan and control it. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and mortality rate of EC and its relationship with the worldwide Human Development Index (HDI) of 2012.
 Methods: This study was an ecological study which assessed the correlation of age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of EC with HDI and its components. ASIR and ASMR data for EC were extracted from the global cancer project for the year 2012. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS 16.
 Results: From EC were recorded worldwide in 2012, there was a total of 455,784 incidents of EC (70.86% males and 29.14% females; ratio of males to females was 2.43:1) and 400,169 mortalities (70.27% males and 29.73% females; ratio of males to females was 2.36:1). The correlation between HDI and SIR was -0.121 (p=0.105); with -0.061 (p=0.415) for men and -0.190 (p=0.010) for women. Moreover, the correlation between HDI and SMR was -0.156 (p=0.036), with -0.101 (p=0.180) for men and -0.218 (p=0.003) for women.
 Conclusion: The incidence and mortality rates from EC is higher in less developed or developing countries. No statistically significant correlation was seen between the standardized mortality or incidence rates of EC and the 2012 HDI. 
 Peer Review Details
 
 
 
 
 
 Peer review method: Single-Blind (Peer-reviewers: 02) Peer-review policy 
 Plagiarism software screening?: Yes
 Date of Original Submission: 10 August 2017
 Date accepted: 06 Sept 2017
 Peer reviewers approved by: Dr. Lili Hami 
 Editor who approved publication: Dr. Phuc Van Pham
 
 
 
 
 
- Research Article
10
- 10.1177/10732748221076824
- Feb 23, 2022
- Cancer control : journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center
Trends in Incidence and Mortality of Esophageal Cancer in Huai'an District, a High-Risk Area in Northern Jiangsu Province, China.
- Research Article
22
- 10.1080/17489530701699720
- Jan 1, 2008
- Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
Objective. The incidence rates of oesophageal cancer vary more than those of any other cancer, world-wide. The aim of this study was to examine the epidemiological features of oesophageal cancer in the Nordic countries. Material and methods. Epidemiological data from the Nordic Cancer Registry (NORDCAN Database, http://www.ancr.nu/nordcan.asp) were used for the study analysis. Results. From 1971 to 2000 in the Nordic countries, 18,034 oesophageal cancers were detected in males and 8216 in females. In males, the incidence rates (world age standardized incidence per 100,000) of oesophageal cancer in 1971–75 and 1996–2000 were 2.7 and 6.0 in Denmark, 4.2 and 3.2 in Finland, 3.4 and 5.6 in Iceland, 2.6 and 3.3 in Norway, and 2.9 and 3.3 in Sweden, respectively. In females, the corresponding figures were: Denmark 1.1 and 1.8, Finland 3.1 and 1.3, Iceland 2.5 and 1.3, Norway 0.7 and 0.9, and Sweden 1.1 and 1.0. Each Nordic country showed a significant geographical variation in the incidence of oesophageal cancer. In both males and females the incidence curves began rising after 40 years of age, but significantly more steeply in males than in females. Over the study period, oesophageal cancer mortality increased from 2.97 to 3.68 per 100,000 in males but decreased from 1.30 to 1.08 in females. The incidence rates of oesophageal adenocarcinoma increased in males in all Nordic countries, and the increase was most marked in Denmark. The incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma also increased among Danish females, but compared with males, the incidence rate remained significantly lower. Conclusions. The time trends in incidence of oesophageal cancer differ between the Nordic countries, and there has also been geographical variation within them. On a global comparison, the incidence rates of oesophageal cancer are low in the Nordic region. Oesophageal cancer is a male-predominant disease in all Nordic countries, and the incidence rates of oesophageal adenocarcinoma have increased in males and Danish females.
- Research Article
50
- 10.7314/apjcp.2012.13.9.4613
- Sep 30, 2012
- Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
National cancer incidence data were utilized to analyze trends in esophageal cancer incidence in China in order to provide basic information for making cancer control strategy. We retrieved and re-sorted valid esophageal cancer incidence data from National Central Cancer Registry Database over 20 years period from 1989 to 2008. Crude incidence and age-standardized incidence rates were calculated for analysis, with annual percent change estimated by Joinpoint software for long term trend analysis. The crude incidence rate of esophageal cancer was found to have remained relatively stable in both urban and rural areas over the 20 year period. Age standardized incidence rate (ASR) in cancer registration areas decreased from 39.5/100,000 in 1989 to 23.0/100,000 in 2008 in all areas (AAPC=-3.3%, 95% CI:-2.8~-3.7). The trend was no change in urban areas and 2.1% average annual decrease observed in rural aras. Before the year of 2000, esophageal cancer incidence rates significant decreased with 2.8% annually and then the rates kept stable. Over 20 years from 1989 to 2008, esophageal cancer age standardized incidence rate in cancer registration areas decreased with time. However, esophageal cancer is still a big issue and efforts for control should be continuously enhanced. Cancer registration is playing an important role in cancer control with the number of registries increasing and data quality improving in China.
- Research Article
10
- 10.1002/ijc.34730
- Sep 20, 2023
- International Journal of Cancer
Geographic and sex differences in esophageal cancer have been reported in China, but data are lacking at the local level. We aimed to investigate geographic and sex disparities in esophageal cancer incidence among Chinese counties and whether county-level socioeconomic status was associated with these variations. We obtained esophageal cancer data from 2015 to 2017 for 782 counties from population-based cancer registries in China. We calculated age-standardized incidence rates and male-to-female incidence rate ratios (IRRs) by county. We performed hotspot analysis to identify geographical clusters. We used negative binomial regression models to analyze the association between incidence rates and county-level socioeconomic factors. There were significant geographic disparities in esophageal cancer incidence, with 8.1 times higher rate in the 90th-percentile county than in the 10th-percentile county (23.7 vs 2.9 per 100 000 person-years). Clusters of elevated rates were prominent across north-central China. Nationally, men had 2.9 times higher incidence of esophageal cancer than women. By county, the male-to-female IRRs ranged from 1.1 to 21.1. Clusters of high male-to-female IRRs were observed in northeast China. Rurality (IRR 1.16, 95% CI 1.10-1.22), per capita gross domestic product (IRR 0.95, 0.92-0.98) and percentage of people with a high school diploma (IRR 0.86, 0.84-0.87) in a county were significantly associated with esophageal cancer incidence. The male-to-female IRRs were higher in counties with higher socioeconomic status. Substantial differences in incidence rates and sex ratios of esophageal cancer exist between Chinese counties, and county-level socioeconomic status was associated with these variations. These findings may inform interventions to reduce these disparities.
- Research Article
17
- 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-3766.2017.04.016
- Apr 23, 2017
- Zhonghua zhong liu za zhi [Chinese journal of oncology]
Objective: The National Central Cancer Registry (NCCR) collected esophageal data of local cancer registries in 2013 to estimate the incidence and mortality in China. Methods: Data submitted from 347 registries were evaluated and 255 registries' data are qualified by NCCR. Data of incidence and mortality were stratified with areas (urban/rural), gender and age group. Chinese population census in 2000 and Segi's population were used for age-standardized incidence/mortality. Results: All of 255 cancer registries covered a total of 226 494 490 population (111 595 772 in urban areas and 114 898 718 in rural areas). The morphology verified cases (MV%) of esophageal cancer accounted for 75.51% and 1.64% of incident cases were identified through death certifications only (DCO%) with mortality to incidence ratio of 0.75. The estimates of new esophageal cancer cases and deaths were 277 thousand and 206 thousand in China, respectively. The crude incidence rate of esophageal cancer in Chinese cancer registration areas was 20.35/10(5) (28.15/10(5) in male, 12.15/10(5) in female), age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese standard population (ASIRC) and by world standard population were 13.64/10(5) and 13.82/10(5) with the cumulative incidence rate (0-74 age years old) of 1.77%. The esophageal cancer incidence and ASIRC were 13.38/10(5) and 8.74/10(5) in urban areas whereas in rural areas, they were 28.44/10(5) and 19.56/10(5,) respectively. In rural areas, the crude incidence rate of esophageal cancer was 2.13 times higher than that in urban areas, and after age-standardized it remained 2.24 times higher. The esophageal cancer mortality in Chinese cancer registration areas was 15.17/10(5) (20.86/10(5) in male and 9.20/10(5) in female), age-standardized mortality by Chinese standard population (ASMRC) and by world standard population were 9.95/10(5) and 9.98/10(5,) with the cumulative mortality rate (0-74 age years old) of 1.20%. The esophageal cancer mortality and ASMRC were 10.12/10(5) and 6.46/10(5) in urban areas, whereas in rural areas, they were 21.05/10(5) and 14.16/10(5,) respectively. In rural areas, the esophageal cancer mortality and ASMRC were 2.08 and 2.19 times higher than those in urban areas. Esophageal cancer was the sixth common cancer and the fourth leading causes of cancer death, accounting for about 7.52% of all cancer cases and 9.26% of all cancer deaths. Conclusions: Esophageal cancer is one of the most common cancers in China. Screening and early detection are important to reduce the incidence and mortality.
- Research Article
4
- 10.5812/ijcm.10059
- May 12, 2018
- International Journal of Cancer Management
Background: Esophageal cancer (EC) is among the ten most common cancers and causes-related mortality worldwide. Objectives: To determine the global inequality in the incidence and mortality rates of EC and decomposing of determinants in inequality. Methods: The rates of incidence and mortality about EC were obtained for 172 countries from the global cancer project. The World Bank database was also used to obtain the HDI and its gradient for 169 countries. Inequality in the age-specific incidence and mortality rates of EC was calculated according to the HDI by using the concentration index (CI). We were decomposing CI to determine contributors in inequality. Results: The concentration index was negative for incidence (-0.23) and mortality (-0.25) rates of EC, indicating the higher concentration of the rates among deprived countries. The important contributors in incidence and mortality inequality rates of EC were HDI and Urbanization with about 0.25 absolute contributions. Conclusions: Global inequalities exist in the EC incidence and mortality rates, which have contributed to the cancer-related health disparities worldwide. The important positive contributors in inequalities were HDI and urbanization. These findings suggest that prevention, early detection, and public health education programs and policies should be targeted to reduce global cancer disparities, particularly in low and middle-income developing countries.
- Research Article
54
- 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-9624.2019.11.004
- Nov 6, 2019
- Zhonghua yu fang yi xue za zhi [Chinese journal of preventive medicine]
Objective: To estimate the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer in China in 2015. Methods: Based on the data quality review and assessment, the esophageal cancer data from 368 cancer registries in 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China were included in this study. According to the national population data in 2015, the nationwide incidence and mortality of the esophageal cancer were estimated. Chinese standard population in 2000 and world Segi's population were used to calculate the age-standardized (ASR) incidence and mortality rates (ASR China and world, respectively). Results: The 368 cancer registries covered a total of 309 553 499 populations in China, accounting for 22.52% of the national population. There were 245 651 new esophageal cancer cases estimated in China in 2015, with a crude incidence rate of 17.87/100 000. The ASR China and ASR world were 11.14/100 000 and 11.28/100 000, respectively. The estimated number of esophageal cancer death was 188 044 in China in 2015, with a crude mortality rate of 13.68/100 000; The ASR China and ASR world mortality rates were 8.33/100 000 and 8.36/100 000, respectively. The ASR China incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer in males were higher in males (16.50/100 000 and 12.66/100 000) than those in females (5.92/100 000 and 4.17/100 000), and they were higher in rural areas (15.95/1100 000 and 11.67/100 000) than those in urban areas (7.59/100 000 and 5.87/100 000). Conclusion: The incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer in China are higher than the global average. The disparity of the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer significantly differed in genders and areas.
- Research Article
238
- 10.1111/1759-7714.12322
- Dec 7, 2015
- Thoracic Cancer
Esophageal cancer has been a common cancer in China for many years. Using the most recent data collected from the National Central Cancer Registry, we present estimates of the esophageal cancer burden in China in 2011. Age-specific incidence and mortality rates by gender and area for 18 age groups were calculated based on data from 177 qualified population-based cancer registries. The number of new cases of esophageal cancer and cancer deaths were computed by multiplying these rates by the 2011 population. Crude incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer were estimated. The estimated number of new esophageal cancer cases and deaths were 291 238 and 218 957, respectively. The crude incidence and mortality rates for esophageal cancer were 21.62/100 000 and 16.25/100 000, respectively. The age-standardized incidence and mortality rates by world population were 15.83/100 000 and 11.62/100 000, respectively. Both the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer were higher in rural areas than in urban areas, and in men than in women. The age-specific esophageal cancer incidence and mortality rates increased with age. In China, squamous cell cancer was the most common pathological type of the disease. Esophageal cancer remains a major public health issue in China. Primary and secondary prevention are essential for disease control.
- Research Article
42
- 10.1016/j.soard.2020.12.011
- Dec 29, 2020
- Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases
Esophageal cancer after sleeve gastrectomy: a population-based comparative cohort study.
- Research Article
1
- 10.1200/jco.2012.30.15_suppl.1573
- May 20, 2012
- Journal of Clinical Oncology
1573 Background: Over the past 30 years, esophageal cancer incidence has been increasing more rapidly than any other solid neoplasm in the Western world. Globally, there is a large male predominance in both esophageal squamous and adenocarcinoma. The reasons for this gender difference and the possible role of estrogen are unclear. The objective of this study is to determine if estrogen exposure is consistent with the male predominance observed in esophageal cancer incidence. Methods: A database assessment of esophageal cancer incidence rates (age-adjusted) from 1975 to 2008 was conducted in the National SEER 9 Database and the Maryland Cancer Registry. Rates by gender and age were calculated. Gender-specific incidence rate ratios were compared across age groups. Annual percentage change (APC) was compared for each gender-age group. Results: In both national and state, male and female, adeno and squamous cell histologies, incidence rates increase with patient age. SEER data trends revealed the 50-64 aged female cohort as the only gender-age cohort APC decreasing between 1975-2008. Furthermore, a significant increase in incidence for females is observed in the 65+ age groups; whereas among males, the rates are rising in all age groups. Conclusions: Using age as a proxy for estrogen exposure, our findings suggest a hormonal component in the declining male: female esophageal cancer incidence rate ratios with increasing age and confirm gender differences in incidence long observed in esophageal cancer. Histological features may be predictive of a lower rate ratio. (Bodelon et al. 2011) Estrogen exposure may play a protective role in esophageal cancer which dissipates with time after age 60-69. Our data suggest possible future roles of estrogen as a chemopreventive agent in esophageal cancer (Barone et al. 2011). [Table: see text] [Table: see text]
- Research Article
7
- 10.1111/1759-7714.13552
- Jul 27, 2020
- Thoracic Cancer
BackgroundEsophageal cancer is among the leading cancer types in Inner Mongolia. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer in 2015 and the trends in these rates in the 2010–2015 period in this region.MethodsNational Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCR) screening methods and criteria were used to extract data from 10 cancer registries stratified by area (urban/rural), sex, and age group. The Chinese standard population in 2000 and Segi's world population were used to calculate age‐standardized rates. The annual percentage change (APC) in these rates was calculated using the Joinpoint Regression Program.ResultsIn 2015, Inner Mongolia had 4324 new cases (4027 male vs. 297 female patients) and 3559 deaths (3300 male vs. 259 female patients) from esophageal cancer. The crude incidence, age‐standardized incidence by Chinese population, age‐standardized incidence by world population, and cumulative incidence were 13.45/100 000, 9.92/100 000, 10.18/100 000, and 1.30%, respectively. The corresponding figures for mortality were 11.32/100 000, 8.35/100 000, 8.53/100 000, and 1.04%. The incidence and mortality increased with age between 40 and 80 years. The rates in rural dwellers, especially men, showed negative APC (−13.25% vs. −11.08%; P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer in Inner Mongolia increased between 2010 and 2015. The rates were higher in men in rural areas, middle‐aged and elderly individuals. Prevention and control programs focused on these groups, in addition to early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer, are needed to reduce these rates.Key points Significant findings of the study: In Inner Mongolia, incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer were higher in urban areas than in rural areas and in men than in women between 2010 and 2015, and in middle‐aged and elderly than in younger people. What this study adds: Prevention and control programs, in addition to early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer, should be tailored to specifically target men in rural areas and middle‐aged and elderly individuals in order to reduce the incidence and mortality rates of this pathology.
- Research Article
- 10.4291/wjgp.v16.i4.110243
- Dec 22, 2025
- World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology
BACKGROUNDEsophageal cancer is a significant global health concern, characterized by high mortality rates and diverse histological types, primarily adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.AIMTo analyze trends in esophageal cancer using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data, focusing on patient characteristics, stage at diagnosis, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes, to provide insights that may guide clinical practice and public health initiatives.METHODSAge-adjusted incidence and mortality rates for esophageal cancer, 2004-2021, were obtained from SEER rate sessions using SEER*Stat version 8.4.4. Average percent changes (APC) over time in age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates relative to gender, race/ethnicity, and stage at diagnosis were assessed using Joinpoint’s log-linear regression. Finally, Poisson regression was used to ascertain incidence and mortality rate ratios to ascertain associations between age, gender, race/ethnicity, and staging with incidence and mortality rates. All analyses were further stratified by gender to assess interactions between gender and the other demographic and clinical characteristics.RESULTSOverall, the data reveals significant trends in both the incidence and mortality rates of esophageal cancer, with notable variations across gender, race, and stage at diagnosis. Age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates were higher in males compared to females (incidence: 4.1 per 100000 vs 0.9 per 100000, mortality: 3.4 per 100000 vs 0.7 per 100000), P < 0.001. Furthermore, the APC among males decreased more significantly over time [APC (95%CI): -1.14 (-1.52 to -0.78); P < 0.001]. Both non-Hispanic (NH) Blacks and NH Whites showed significant decreases in cancer incidence, with NH Blacks observing a 3.27% decline and NH Whites a 0.51% decline. Patients with distant staging had a 5% APC increase in mortality rates over time (P = 0.003). Additionally, mortality rates increased with age, and all minority groups showed declines in incidence and mortality compared to NH Whites. Cancer diagnosed at a distant stage had a mortality rate 4.16 times higher than in situ cases.CONCLUSIONThe analysis reveals clear disparities in both the incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer, with males, particularly NH Whites, experiencing significantly higher rates than females. Despite a general decline in incidence rates over time, the upward trend in mortality for certain subgroups warrants further investigation into potential contributing factors such as healthcare access, treatment efficacy, and underlying socio-economic disparities.
- Research Article
- 10.1158/1538-7445.am2013-4802
- Apr 15, 2013
- Cancer Research
Introduction: Over the past thirty years, esophageal cancer (EC) incidence has been increasing more rapidly than any other solid neoplasm in the Western world. Globally, there is a large male predominance in both esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The reasons for this gender difference and the possible role of estrogen remains unclear. We conducted an analytical epidemiological study to determine if estrogen exposure explains the male predominance in observed esophageal cancer incidence. Materials/Methods: We evaluated the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) cancer incidence trends from 1975 to 2008 using SEER Stat to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) in each five year age group and in EAC and ESCC by gender. Results: Male predominance in incidence rates of EC was most evident in the younger population and those with EAC histology as previously demonstrated. EAC and ESCC incidence rates both increases with aging, consistent with cancer being an age-related disease, but the male: female incidence ratio of EAC significantly decreased with aging. The rate of increase for EAC incidence in post menopausal females is greater than in any other demographic category. This increasing incidence rate in the post menopausal female was also observed in the ESCC, but to a lesser extent. The APC was negative (-1.5) between 1975-2008 only in the 50-64 age female cohort. Interestingly, the APC doubled in the last two age groupings of older females (age 65-74 = + 0.3 and age 75 and greater = + 0.7). APC rates for the males increased gradually in all their age groups (age 50-64 = +1.2, age 65-74 = +1.4, age 75+ = +1.9). Conclusions: The males’ incidence of EAC increases at a steep rate with aging and females’ incidence rates are not as steep except after age 60-64 where their incidence rate of change steeply increases. The steeper change in EAC incidence rates in the post menopausal female may explain why the male: female EAC incidence ratio decreases with age as seen nationally (SEER). The negative APC in the female 50-64 years age group may be explained by their peri-menopausal state and by the increased use of post-menopausal hormonal therapy since 1975 for this age group. Using age as a proxy for estrogen exposure, our findings suggest a hormonal component for the observed age-related, declining male to female EAC incidence rate ratios. It also confirms gender differences in incidence long observed in EC and suggests that the pre-menopausal estrogen milieu in females may serve as a protective factor against EAC. Moreover, this protective state dissipates with time in the post menopausal females where the effect of estrogen exposure dissipates. Implications: Our initial epidemiological observation of gender-age differences warrants translation into a molecular epidemiology study with the use of sophisticated biomarkers to establish the seemingly protective role of estrogen exposure in esophageal adenocarcinoma. Citation Format: Luckson N. Mathieu, Norma Kanarek, Craig Hooker, Malcolm Brock. Gender disparity in esophageal cancer incidence. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4802. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4802