Pancreatic cancer burden across Southeast Asia from 1990 to 2021: An analysis of incidence and mortality based on the global burden of disease study 2021.

[BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES] Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with a growing burden in Southeast Asia. This study aimed to assess pancreatic cancer trends, including incidence, mortality, and associated risk factors, across Southeast Asian countries using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021.

[METHODS] We analyzed pancreatic cancer incidence, mortality, and age-standardized incidence (ASIR) and mortality (ASMR) rates from 1990 to 2021 across Southeast Asia. The analysis included 15 countries grouped according to GBD's classification. We calculated the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in ASIR and ASMR and the mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR). We examined the correlation between cancer trends and the sociodemographic index (SDI). Additionally, risk factors contributing to pancreatic cancer mortality were assessed.

[RESULTS] Between 1990 and 2021, pancreatic cancer incidence increased by 288.65 %, while mortality rose by 287.07 % across Southeast Asia. Higher-SDI countries exhibited lower MIRs, while lower-SDI countries experienced higher MIRs. Metabolic risks and high fasting plasma glucose were the leading contributors to pancreatic cancer mortality, particularly in high-SDI countries, while smoking remained a significant risk in lower-SDI nations.

[CONCLUSION] The substantial rise in pancreatic cancer burden across Southeast Asia highlights the need for improved healthcare infrastructure, especially in lower-SDI countries. Regional collaboration and targeted interventions focusing on early detection, treatment access, and modifiable risk factors are crucial to reducing pancreatic cancer mortality. Strengthening healthcare systems and public health initiatives will be vital to address this growing regional and global health challenge.