Insight into the global mortality trends due to prostate cancer among the under-55 population: An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease-2021.

Abstract

5109 Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is the most prevalent non-skin cancer among males, and it is increasingly diagnosed in those under 55. This younger demographic often faces more aggressive disease progression and a higher risk of metastasis, driven by genetic predispositions, family history, and racial factors. Methods: Data were systematically collected from the GBD-2021 covering key metrics such as incidence, prevalence, death rates, Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY), Years of Life Lost (YLL), and Years Lived with Disability (YLD) across the age group of 20-54 years. Global estimated and stratified data based on 204 regions were further analyzed to assess average annual percentage changes (AAPC) and 95% confidence interval (CI) from 1990 to 2021. Results: There were 2,06,612 deaths due to prostate cancer among those aged 20-54 from 1990-2021. Between 1990 and 2021, the global PC incidence in individuals aged 20-54 increased from 0.82 to 1.55 per 100,000, with an AAPC of 2.03 (CI: 1.65-2.41, p<0.0001). The highest incidence was recorded in Lithuania, Bermuda, and Australia, while Vietnam, Bhutan, and Algeria reported the lowest. Notable AAPC increases were observed in Cabo Verde (7.26, CI: 6.80-7.72, p<0.0001), followed by the Republic of Korea and Vietnam. Conversely, Somalia experienced a significant decline (-1.73, CI: -2.04 to -1.43, p<0.0001). During the same period, the global prevalence of PC rose from 7.18 to 13.94 per 100,000, with an AAPC of 2.13 (CI: 1.75-2.54, p<0.0001). Prevalence trends across countries were similar to incidence trends. Between 1990 and 2021, the global mortality rate for prostate cancer in individuals aged 20-54 rose slightly from 0.37 to 0.41 per 100,000, with an AAPC of 0.20 (CI: 0.07-0.32, p=0.003). Significant increases were observed in Cabo Verde (AAPC 4.24, CI: 3.89-4.58, p<0.0001) and the Northern Mariana Islands. Conversely, Sweden and Luxembourg showed declines, with AAPCs of -2.55 (CI: -3.11 to -1.98) and -2.28 (CI: -2.49 to -2.06), respectively. The highest increases across DALY, YLD, and YLL were observed in Cabo Verde, Zambia, and the Republic of Korea, while Somalia, Sweden, and Luxembourg observed significant declines. Conclusions: There has been a rise in mortality rates among young prostate cancer patients aged 20-54, along with increasing morbidity indicators such as YLD, DALY, and YLL. African countries have consistently noted significant rises in both incidence and mortality rates, while a decline was noted in European countries. This could be attributed to the lack of screening protocols and the inadequacy of treatment. The global incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer in this age group have nearly doubled over the past 30 years. Future research should focus on regional disparities and develop strategies to reduce the impact of this disease on younger populations.