Global, regional, and national burden of lip and oral cavity cancer and its attributable risk factors from 1990 to 2021: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease study 2021.

BACKGROUND

Lip and oral cavity cancer is a significant global health concern, with increasing incidence rates in recent years. Understanding epidemiological trends and their associated risk factors is crucial for effective prevention and management.

AIM

This study aimed to analyze global, regional, and national trends in lip and oral cavity cancer incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021 to assess key risk factors and sociodemographic influences to support clinical pharmacy interventions and improve patient outcomes.

METHOD

Lip and oral cavity cancer burden was analyzed by location, age, and sex. Joinpoint regression assessed trends, Spearman correlation measured sociodemographic index (SDI) associations, and decomposition analysis quantified population growth, aging, and epidemiological impacts. Cross-country disparities and risk factors were also evaluated.

RESULTS

In 2021, there were 421,577 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 389,879-449,782) new lip and oral cavity cancer cases, 208,379 (95% UI: 191,288-224,162) deaths, and 5,874,070 (95% UI: 5,326,986-6,347,557) DALYs globally, with the highest burden in South Asia. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) increased significantly, while the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized DALYs rate slightly declined. Men and older adults had higher rates, but the increase was more pronounced in women and younger populations. ASIR correlated positively with SDI, while cross-country inequalities persisted, particularly in low-SDI regions. The contribution of tobacco chewing to lip and oral cavity cancer deaths and DALYs slightly increased.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of lip and oral cavity cancer continues to increase, with a shifting burden on younger individuals and women. Targeted interventions to reduce risk factors and improve access to healthcare are essential for high-risk populations and regions.