Objective To analyze the prevalence of malignant tumors in cancer registration areas in Hubei Province in 2021.

Methods Data on the incidence and mortality of malignant tumors from 31 cancer registries in Hubei Province in 2021 were collected. Incidence, mortality (crude rate, ASRC, and ASRW), and cumulative rates in the 0-74-year-old age group were calculated by gender, urban-rural area, and age group. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to describe and analyze the incidence and mortality characteristics of malignant tumors in cancer registration areas in Hubei Province in 2021.

Results In 2021, malignant tumors in cancer registration areas in Hubei Province had an incidence of 329.62/10⁵, an ASIRC of 189.33/10⁵, an ASIRW of 201.50/10⁵, and a cumulative rate of 20.81% in the 0-74-year-old age group. Malignant tumors had a mortality rate of 183.59/10⁵, an ASMRC of 90.36/10⁵, an ASMRW of 103.22/10⁵, and a cumulative rate of 10.26% in the 0-74-year-old age group. Incidence and mortality were higher in males than in females, with incidence rates in urban areas being significantly higher than those in rural areas, whereas urban and rural mortality rates showed no significant difference. The incidence of malignant tumors gradually increased with age, peaking in the 75-79-year-old age group. Mortality rose rapidly after 45 years and peaked in the 85+-year-old age group. Significant gender and urban–rural differences were found in the incidence and mortality of malignant tumors. The leading cause of incidence across the province was lung cancer, followed by female breast, thyroid, colorectal, and liver cancers. The top five causes of death were lung, liver, stomach, colorectal, and esophageal cancers. The incidence rates of female breast, thyroid, and colorectal cancers were higher in urban areas than in rural areas, whereas the burden of liver and cervical cancers was more prominent in rural areas than in urban areas. Significant differences were found in the incidence of malignant tumors among different cities and counties.

Conclusion In 2021, the burden of malignant tumors in cancer registration areas in Hubei Province was primarily caused by lung, digestive tract, liver, and female breast cancers, with significant regional differences. This situation seriously endangers the health of residents. Comprehensive prevention and control measures should be continuously strengthened to reduce the burden of malignant tumors.