Special event will focus on the rising incidence of cancer in women

Submitted by Dr Janette Smith, consultant gynaecology radiologist, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

With the changes in demographics for cancer in women and the increasing rates of cancers found in females, The British Institute of Radiology (BIR) is planning an event to focus on women’s health.

I think we have all noticed the worrying trend for cancer in younger age groups, both in our daily work and in the press. Between 1995 and 2018 there was a
22 per cent increase in cancer rates in 25 to 49 year olds. This is compared to nine per cent in those over 75 years old (Cancer Research UK – CRUK). Although colorectal cancer is often mentioned, there has also been an increase in cancers exclusively or more commonly found in females.

Female-specific or predominant cancers include cervical, endometrial, ovarian, vulval and breast cancer. They account for 12 per cent of all cancer diagnoses and 10 per cent of deaths. With the exception of cervical cancer, most of these cancers traditionally occur in the older age groups. However, there is a worrying trend of increasing incidence of these cancer in women under the age of 50 years.

According to CRUK, since the 1990s, breast cancer rates have increased by 16 per cent in 25 to 49 year olds, although rates for older age groups have also increased. A similar trend is seen in ovarian cancer with rates in 0 to 24 year olds increasing by 76 per cent and in 25 to 49 year olds increasing by eight per cent since the 1990s, while incidence in older age groups has decreased. Endometrial cancers are increasing in all age groups over 25 years old, with rates in those between 25 to 49 years increasing by 48 per cent since the 1990s (CRUK). Cervical cancer is the exception to this trend. With the introduction of the HPV vaccination and screening programmes cervical cancer is predicted to fall by eight per cent in the next 14 years.

Although some of the increase in young women can be accounted for by risk factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, diet and by genetic syndromes (BRCA1 and 2 and Lynch syndrome), there is concern for other unknown factors that may also be influencing the trend.

In response to these challenges the BIR is planning a one-day event on women’s cancer imaging, with particular emphasis on cancer in younger women. This event will bring together leading experts on women’s imaging, gynaecology and genetics, focusing on epidemiology and diagnosis of breast, ovarian and uterine malignancies in those under 50 years as well as all important mimics. Although rare, malignancies in pregnancy can occur and prove a challenge both in diagnosis and staging.

Despite advances in screening and treatment leading to higher survival rates for many of these cancers, disparities remain in the stage of diagnosis and survival rates, particularly among different socioeconomic, ethnic and LGBTQ+ communities. Addressing these disparities and improving access to care will also be another theme of the conference.

The BIR Women’s Imaging Conference will be open to everyone interested in women’s imaging, although mainly focused on those at higher registrar, fellow or early stage consultant level or other allied health profession. It will take place in the summer in London. Please check the BIR website for details.

Picture: BIR president Dr Nick Screaton.

This news story has been sponsored by the companies concerned and does not represent the views or opinions of RAD Magazine.