Global, Regional, and National Burden of Stomach Cancer, 1990 to 2021: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

[OBJECTIVE] To evaluate the global, regional, and national burden of stomach cancer from 1990 to 2021, focusing on incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).

[METHODS] We used data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study. Age-standardized rates of incidence (ASIR), prevalence (ASPR), mortality (ASMR), and age-standardized DALYs were analyzed using Joinpoint regression and Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) models to assess trends over time and across regions.

[RESULTS] From 1990 to 2021, global ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and age-standardized DALYs for stomach cancer steadily declined. The most significant decrease in ASMR occurred in high-income Asia-Pacific countries. However, ASPR increased in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania from 1998 to 2004. In 2021, global rates per 100,000 population were: 27.58 (ASPR), 14.33 (ASIR), 11.20 (ASMR), and 262.75 (DALYs). East Asia had the highest ASIR, and Andean Latin America had the highest ASMR. Males exhibited higher burden metrics than females, and individuals aged 80 to 84 years had the highest ASPR of stomach cancer. Smoking was the leading risk factor for deaths. Projections suggest continued declines in burden through 2036.

[CONCLUSIONS] This study highlights substantial global reductions in stomach cancer burden from 1990 to 2021, with significant geographic and demographic disparities. Targeted public health strategies are essential to sustain progress and address regional inequalities.