Influence of age on the epidemiological behavior of gynecological cancer in the Isle of Youth

Abstract

Global population aging is changing the epidemiology of gynecological cancer, with an increase in the incidence of endometrial (EC) and ovarian (OC) cancer in women over 60 years of age, while cervical cancer (CC) is prevalent in young women. In the Isle of Youth, 20% of the population is over 60 years of age, necessitating local studies to optimize health strategies. To determine the influence of age on the epidemiological behavior of gynecological cancer in the Isle of Youth (2020-2023), a descriptive, cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the "Heroes del Baire" General Teaching Hospital with 84 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CC, EC, or OC who completed their evaluation in the territory. CC accounted for 58.3% of cases, EC 32.1%, and OC 9.5%. CC was more common in women aged <60 years, while CE predominated in women aged ≥60 years (χ²=10.2; p=0.006). The health area was associated with tumor type, with CC occurring in semi-rural areas (38.8%) and CE occurring in urban areas (55.6%). Clinical stage varied significantly with age: 41.2% of women with CC aged ≥60 years presented with stages III-IV versus 84.2% with stages I-II. The degree of differentiation was mostly well-differentiated in CC (77.6%), with a tendency toward lesser differentiation in EC in those aged ≥60 years (47.4% moderately differentiated). Age significantly influences the distribution and characteristics of gynecological cancers, with distinct patterns that require screening and management strategies tailored to age and geographic groups.