Oral tongue cancer incidence rose faster in females despite lower overall odds
A review found a faster annual rise in female incidence, particularly in developed countries, while the causes of this changing pattern remained uncertain.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The pooled data showed lower overall odds of oral tongue cancer in females than males, alongside a faster annual rise in female incidence. The trend was especially pronounced in developed countries. Females reported less smoking and alcohol use, but these comparisons do not establish what caused the difference in incidence trends.
This abstract-based summary does not give calendar periods or the size of the annual incidence change. The authors also describe insufficient evidence for firm conclusions about characteristics of younger patients.
What researchers found
Oral tongue cancer incidence in females
Annual percentage change, females versus males. Calendar periods and change magnitude: Not reported in the abstract.
Different measures, different questions
Overall odds and annual incidence change answer different questions. A group can have lower overall odds while its incidence rises faster; the review reports that pattern in females compared with males.
The cause remains unresolved
The review also considered younger patients’ clinical features, infection patterns, and genetic findings. These observations were described as inconclusive, so they cannot yet provide a settled explanation for the changing epidemiology.
The original publication
Epidemiological trends and characteristics of oral tongue cancer in females: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Hu J, Kaunein N, DeAngelis A
Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41298213
- Record checked
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