# Rising Incidence of Tongue Cancer Surgeries Among Middle‐Aged and Older Women in Japan: A Nationwide Claims‐Based Analysis From 2014 to 2022

## TL;DR

Tongue cancer surgeries in Japan have increased among middle-aged and older women from 2014 to 2022, according to a nationwide analysis of health insurance claims.

## Contribution

The study reveals a significant rise in tongue cancer surgeries among middle-aged and older Japanese women using nationwide claims data.

## Key findings

- Surgery rates increased significantly for all females (RR = 1.020) and overall (RR = 1.010) from 2014 to 2022.
- Middle-aged and older women showed significant increases in surgery rates (RR = 1.083 for 40–44 and 1.055 for 60–64).
- Surgery rates peaked at ages 75–79 in males and 75–84 in females.

## Abstract

This study investigated recent trends and demographic patterns in tongue cancer surgeries in Japan using nationwide insurance claims data.

Annual surgery counts and rates (per 100,000 person‐years) were analyzed using medical (2014–2022) and dental (2016–2022) claims. Trends were evaluated using linear and Poisson regression to estimate annual risk ratios (RRs).

An average of 4470.7 surgeries per year was observed (rate: 3.4). The male‐to‐female ratio was 1.6:1 overall but nearly 1:1 under 40s and over 2.0:1 in the 60s–70s. Surgery rates peaked at ages 75–79 in males (12.0) and 75–84 in females (5.9). Age‐adjusted surgery counts rose significantly from 2014 to 2022. Rates increased significantly among all females (RR = 1.020) and overall (RR = 1.010). Significant increases were seen in females aged 40–44 and 60–64 (RR = 1.083 and 1.055).

Distinct age‐ and sex‐related trends were identified, particularly rising rates among middle‐aged and older females.

This study examines recent epidemiological trends in tongue cancer surgeries in Japan. Using nationwide health insurance claims data from 2014 to 2022, we provide a comprehensive analysis of demographic patterns and surgical rates, revealing a significant rise in tongue cancer surgeries among women. This trend aligns with global observations of increasing tongue cancer incidence among women.