# Race‐specific temporal trends of HPV‐related cancers in South Africa: An analysis of the South African National Cancer Registry, 2011–2022

## TL;DR

This study examines how HPV-related cancer rates have changed over time in different racial groups in South Africa from 2011 to 2022.

## Contribution

The study reveals race-specific trends in HPV-related cancer incidence in South Africa, highlighting disparities that may reflect differences in HPV prevalence and healthcare access.

## Key findings

- Oropharyngeal SCC rates increased significantly among White females.
- Vulvar SCC rates increased among Asian and Black females.
- Anal SCC rates increased among Colored females and Black males.

## Abstract

Evaluating trends in HPV‐related cancer rates by race is essential for identifying high‐risk populations and improving prevention efforts. Using 2011–2022 South African National Cancer Registry data, we analyzed age‐standardized incidence rates by race and sex across three periods (2011–2014, 2015–2018, 2019–2022) using linear regression. Significant increases were observed for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) among White females (p < .01), vulvar SCC among Asian (p < .01) and Black (p = .02) females, and anal SCC among Colored females and Black males (p < .01). Cervical carcinoma rates remained stable for most racial groups, except for the annual trends showing a 1.9% increase per year (95% CI = 1.0, 2.7) among White females. These findings suggest rising incidence rates for some HPV‐related cancers across racial groups in South Africa. Further research is needed to explore the constellation of risk factors contributing to these trends and to guide targeted interventions.

What's new?

Racial disparities in trends of human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated cancers in South Africa have received limited attention. Here, the authors examined cancer incidence rates among South Africans, with stratification by race and sex, for different timeframes across 2011–2022. Significant increases were observed in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) among White females, vulvar SCC among Asian and Black females, and anal SCC among Colored females and Black males. Notably, for all timeframes, cervical cancer incidence was highest among Black women and increased relatively modestly among White women. The variations detected may reflect racial differences in HPV prevalence and healthcare access.