The impact of dietary factors on esophageal cancer over three decades: A global epidemiological overview.

Abstract

e16155 Background: Esophageal cancer remains a major global health concern due to its high mortality and disability burden. Dietary risk factors, such as low intake of fruits and vegetables, contribute significantly to its incidence and outcomes. This study explores trends in Deaths, Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), and Age-Standardized Mortality Rates (ASMR) for esophageal cancer globally from 1990 to 2021, providing insights into the burden of disease and the role of dietary risks. Methods: Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study, we analyzed trends in Esophageal cancer-related Deaths, DALYs, and ASMR at the global level. Data were stratified by year and measure type to identify temporal patterns. The impact of dietary risks was quantified based on attributable burden estimates. Metrics such as absolute values and rates per 100,000 population were examined to assess the evolving burden over three decades. Results: Dietary risks, particularly low vegetable and fruit consumption, accounted for a significant proportion of the global burden, highlighting the critical role of nutritional interventions. Globally, Esophageal cancer-related deaths increased from approximately 74,454 in 1990 to over 102,000 in 2021. Despite the rise in absolute deaths, the ASMR decreased steadily from 9.6 per 100,000 in 1990 to 5.8 per 100,000 in 2021, reflecting improvements in prevention and management. Similarly, DALYs attributed to esophageal cancer showed a slight reduction, declining from 2.03 million in 1990 to 1.88 million in 2021. The reduction in ASMR and DALYs was more pronounced in high-income countries, while low- and middle-income regions experienced a slower decline. Conclusions: The global burden of esophageal cancer, as measured by Deaths, DALYs, and ASMR, has shown significant variations from 1990 to 2021. While ASMR and DALYs have declined overall, absolute deaths have increased due to population growth and aging. Addressing dietary risks through improved nutrition and public health strategies could further reduce the burden of esophageal cancer. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to mitigate dietary risk factors and disparities across regions. Further research is warranted to explore the interplay of dietary risks and socio-demographic factors in shaping disease outcomes. Global trends in DALYs, deaths, and age-standardized mortality rates attributable to dietary factors in esophageal cancer (1990–2021). Years DALYs Deaths ASMR 1990 2026197.14509187 74457.415188567 5.680021 2000 1681280.9710130 64823.3434106586 5.112018 2010 1293957.1849285 51982.249624556 4.600816 2020 1364309.9456727 55566.898043507 4.140734v