The global, regional, and national burden of stomach cancer attributed to smoking in 204 countries, 1990-2019: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the current burden of stomach cancer linked to smoking and the variations in trends across different locations, is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. In this study, we present findings on the age-standardized death rate (ASDR) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rate attributed to smoking in 204 countries and territories spanning 21 regions from 1990 to 2019.

METHODS

The data for this study were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019, which assessed 369 diseases and injuries, as well as 87 risk factors in 204 countries and 21 regions. To assess the trend in ASDR and age-standardized DALYs rate, the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was utilized.

RESULTS

Between 1990 and 2019, smoking was found to be associated with a decrease in ASDR (EAPC = -2.20) and age-standardized DALYs (EAPC = -2.42) rates for gastric cancer. As the sociodemographic index (SDI) increased, the decline in rates also increased gradually. However, the decline was smallest in regions with low SDI (EAPC = -1.34; EAPC = -1.38). In 21 regions, both ASDR and DALYs rates experienced a decline. The smallest decline in ASDR was observed in Western Sub-Saharan Africa, with an EAPC of -0.80, while the smallest decline in DALYs rate was found in Oceania, with an EAPC of -0.81. Among the 204 countries analyzed, the Dominican Republic showed the highest increase in ASDR and age-standardized DALYs rate (EAPC = 1.19; EAPC = 1.21), followed by Afghanistan (EAPC = 1.09; EAPC = 1.09) and Sao Tome and Principe (EAPC = 1.05; EAPC = 1.03). In the year 2019, the highest ASDR and age-standardized DALYs rate was observed in East Asia, with the highest rates occurring in Mongolia.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of stomach cancer worldwide, adjusted for age, and related to smoking, has shown a decline from 1990 to 2019. However, regional disparities have been identified, with some areas experiencing an increase in this burden. These regions with a higher burden emphasize the necessity for the implementation of strong tobacco control measures.