Insights into the mortality trends due to gastric cancer across 204 regions worldwide: 1990 to 2021.

Abstract

e16118 Background: Gastric cancer continues to affect public health worldwide because it causes high death rates and disability numbers. Despite advancements in medical interventions, its burden varies significantly across regions and populations, necessitating a comprehensive analysis of trends in mortality, years of life lost (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD), and disability-adjusted life years (DALY). Methods: We analyzed data from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database on gastric cancer from 1990 to 2021, utilizing metrics such as age-standardized YLL, YLD, DALY, and deaths. Annual average percentage change (AAPC) was calculated to assess trends in disease burden, using 205 geographic locations. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value threshold of <0.05. Trends were evaluated across sexes and age groups to identify regional and temporal disparities. Results: The global burden of gastric cancer significantly declined from 1990 to 2021. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) dropped from 83,187 to 47,644 (AAPC: -1.86%). High-income regions saw the largest reductions, while low- and middle-income regions experienced slower progress. Eastern Europe and East Asia, with the highest initial DALY rates, showed substantial improvement over time. Years of life lost (YLL) decreased from 82,363 to 47,121 (AAPC: -1.86%), reflecting better early detection and treatment. Eastern Europe and Latin America achieved significant declines, while Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia had slower reductions due to limited healthcare access. Years lived with disability (YLD) declined from 823 to 523 (AAPC: -1.39%), with consistent reductions across all regions. Western Europe and North America reported the lowest YLD rates, benefiting from advanced medical care. Gastric cancer deaths fell from 3,390,804 to 1,997,744 (AAPC: -1.73%). East Asia and Eastern Europe, initially with the highest mortality, saw major declines due to improved screening and early diagnosis. In contrast, reductions in Sub-Saharan Africa were less pronounced, indicating healthcare disparities. Despite progress, the burden remains higher in low-resource regions and among older populations and males. Age-standardized rates showed greater declines in younger groups, linked to reduced Helicobacter pylori exposure. AAPC analysis confirmed reductions across all metrics: DALY (-1.86%), YLL (-1.86%), YLD (-1.39%), and deaths (-1.73%). Persistent regional disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions and equitable healthcare access. Conclusions: Gastric cancer remains a global health challenge despite significant declines in deaths over the past 30 years. Regional disparities highlight the need to prioritize healthcare in low-resource areas and advance affordable prevention and treatment strategies.