Global, Regional, and National Burden of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma from 1990 to 2021.

Abstract

Background: This study analyzes nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from 1990 to 2021 across 204 countries, focusing on prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). It examines gender disparities, regional variations, age dynamics, and temporal trends to provide insights for health policy and resource allocation.

Methods: We used the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) approach to assess NPC's health burden, including incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs. Trends from 1990 to 2021 were illustrated using estimated annual percent change (EAPC). Subgroup analysis revealed variations by gender, age, Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), GBD classification, and country. Age-period-cohort (APC) and Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) models predicted future trends.

Results: In 2021, there were 118,878 new NPC cases globally (1.38 per 100,000), with a prevalence of 525,219 cases (6.14 per 100,000), 75,359 deaths (0.87 per 100,000), and 249,019 DALYs (28.91 per 100,000). Males had higher rates across all metrics. Incidence peaked at ages 50-54, mortality at 70-74, and DALYs at 50-54. High SDI regions, especially East and Southeast Asia, showed higher burdens. Despite decreasing age-standardized incidence rates, absolute cases are rising, necessitating improved prevention and treatment strategies.

Conclusions: NPC prevalence has increased due to better diagnosis and aging populations, despite decreasing age-adjusted incidence rates. Lower mortality rates indicate improved treatment. Males, especially in East and Southeast Asia, bear a higher NPC burden. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and tailored public health policies in high-risk regions.

Level of evidence: III Laryngoscope, 2024.