S1026 Epidemiologic Landscape of Esophageal Cancer in Bangladesh: Insights From the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital (NICRH) Registry

Introduction: Esophageal cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies globally and ranks among the top 5 cancers in Bangladesh. In the absence of a national cancer registry, hospital-based data provide the only available lens into disease burden. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, demographic distribution, and histologic profile of esophageal cancer in Bangladesh using data from its largest oncology center. Methods: Data from the 2020 registry of the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital were analyzed. Patients with confirmed or provisional cancer diagnoses were included. Esophageal cancer cases were stratified by age group, sex, and histologic subtype based on histopathological records. Results: Of 26,202 outpatient visits, 11,203 (42.8%) had a confirmed or provisional diagnosis of cancer. Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies comprised 22.8% of all cases, with esophageal cancer accounting for 19.7% of GI cancers and 4.5% of total cancers—ranking fourth overall and second among men. The 55-64 year age group had the highest disease burden. Histologically, 92.6% were squamous cell carcinoma, followed by 7.3% adenocarcinoma. Among patients over 65, esophageal cancer was the second most common malignancy, with a prevalence of 7.3%. Conclusion: Esophageal cancer constitutes a significant and under-recognized public health challenge in Bangladesh. Its predominance among older adults and men, coupled with late-stage presentation, underscores the urgent need for a population-based cancer registry and targeted early detection strategies. These findings can inform screening programs and health policy in resource-limited settings.