Burden of bladder cancer across Asia: Insights from the Global Burden of Disease (1999–2023).

Abstract

e16617 Background: Bladder cancer is a malignant neoplasm arising from uncontrolled growth of the urothelial lining and represents an increasing global health concern. This study examines long-term trends in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and mortality due to bladder cancer across Asia from 1990 to 2023. Methods: Age-standardized bladder cancer data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database. Mortality was reported as age-standardized death rates (ASDRs) per 100,000 population. Temporal trends were assessed using joinpoint regression to estimate annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC). Results: From 1990 to 2023, age-standardized DALYs declined across most Asian regions. East Asia carried the highest burden but showed a marked reduction, with DALYs decreasing from 70.38 to 40.42 (AAPC −1.59%; 95% CI −2.27 to −0.90; p < 0.001). Significant declines were also observed in Central Asia (57.34 to 40.10; AAPC −1.10%; p = 0.020) and High-income Asia Pacific (49.51 to 43.00; AAPC −0.44%; p < 0.001). South Asia demonstrated only a modest decrease (31.78 to 30.68; AAPC −0.17%; p = 0.042), while Southeast Asia remained relatively stable (26.30 to 28.60; AAPC 0.24%; p = 0.16). ASDRs showed similar patterns. East Asia had the highest mortality rates, declining from 3.20 to 2.03 per 100,000 (AAPC −1.03%; p < 0.001). Central Asia and High-income Asia Pacific also experienced significant reductions, whereas South and Southeast Asia exhibited largely stable trends. Conclusions: Although bladder cancer burden has declined across much of Asia, mortality and DALYs remain substantial. Strengthening early detection, risk-factor control, and preventive strategies remains essential to further reduce disease impact. Trends in bladder cancer burden across Asia (1990–2023). Region DALYs 1990 DALYs 2023 AAPC (%) ASDR trend East Asia 70.38 40.42 −1.59 ↓ Central Asia 57.34 40.10 −1.10 ↓ High-income Asia Pacific 49.51 43.00 −0.44 ↓ South Asia 31.78 30.68 −0.17 ↔ Southeast Asia 26.30 28.60 +0.24 ↔ DALYs and ASDRs are age-standardized per GBD 2023. ↓ indicates significant decline; ↔ indicates stable trend.