Xiong Zhu

Global burden of uterine cancer in 204 countries and territories and its predicted level in 15 years, from 1990 to 2021

Uterine cancer (UC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths among women. This study assesses the global burden of UC from 1990 to 2021. Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study were used to analyze UC incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) across 204 countries. Age-standardized rates were evaluated by age and Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), with trends forecasted to 2036 using Bayesian models. In 2021, the global incidence of UC reached 473,614 cases (95% uncertainty interval [UI]=4,29916-5,13667), with an age-standardized incidence rate of 5.41 per 100,000 (95% UI=4.90-5.87), showing an upward trend since 1990, particularly in high-SDI regions. However, the mortality rate in high SDI regions exhibited a declining trend, with an estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of -0.25 (95% confidence interval=-0.42 to -0.08). Although the number of deaths globally has increased, the age-standardized mortality rate has decreased compared to 1990 (EAPC: -0.85). The global age-standardized DALYs also show a downward trend, except in high SDI and low-middle SDI regions. The highest incidence was observed among individuals aged 70-74 in 2021. By 2036, new cases are projected to rise, though incidence, mortality, and DALYs are expected to decline. Regional disparities in the global UC burden highlight the need for tailored strategies, especially in low-income countries, to reduce its impact.