Global, regional and country-specific burden of larynx cancer due to occupational exposure to asbestos: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

BACKGROUND

Laryngeal cancer (LC) attributable to occupational asbestos exposure remains a significant global health concern. This study aimed to assess the global burden of LC caused by asbestos exposure using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study.

METHODS

Data from the Global Burden of Diseases study 2021 were used to analyze the global burden of LC, including incidence, mortality, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021. The study employed age-standardized rates (ASR) for comparison. Trend analysis was performed using annual percentage change (EAPC) to examine temporal changes in LC burden. Bayesian age-period-cohort modeling was utilized to project future trends from 2022 to 2046.

RESULTS

In 2021, the global burden of LC attributable to occupational asbestos exposure was 3,392 deaths and 66,909 DALYs. The burden was significantly higher in males compared to females. The age-standardized mortality rate was highest in high-SDI regions, but low- and middle-SDI regions showed increasing trends. From 1990 to 2021, global LC mortality and DALYs decreased, with a notable reduction in high-income countries, while many low- and middle-income countries experienced either stable or rising trends. Projections indicate continued decline in high-income countries but persistent or increasing burden in lower-income regions.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the ongoing global disparities in the burden of LC due to occupational asbestos exposure. While high-income countries have made significant progress in reducing this burden, low- and middle-income countries continue to face challenges due to ongoing asbestos use.