Contemporary Changes in Global Trends in Early-Onset Cancer: Incidence and Mortality (2000–2021)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background/Objectives: The burden of early-onset cancer (cancer incidence <50 years) has increased globally. Early-onset cancer carries significant societal and economic consequences. We aim to provide updated estimates for incidence and mortality of early-onset cancer. Methods: We analyzed the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 to describe the incidence, death, age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized death rate (ASDR) from early-onset cancer (i.e., cancer in people aged 15–49), and its changes from 2000 to 2021 (reflected as annual percent change [APC]), using Joinpoint regression analysis. Results: In 2021, there were 3.16 million new cases and 989,650 deaths from early-onset cancer. From 2000 to 2021, the ASIR of early-onset cancer increased (APC: 0.40%, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.47%), with the highest increase observed in the Eastern Mediterranean region (APC: 1.63%, 95% CI 1.53 to 1.72%), whereas the ASDR decreased across most regions. The ASIR for early-onset cancer had a higher increase in females (APC: 0.62%, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.73%) than males (APC: 0.14%, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.23%). Breast cancer (n = 567,900) constituted the highest burden of incident cases, followed by non-melanoma skin (n = 507,810) and cervical cancers (n = 307,430). The highest increase in the ASIR was observed in non-melanoma skin cancer (APC:2.18%, 95% CI 1.85–2.51%), thyroid (APC: 1.70%, 95% CI 1.60 to 1.79%), and testicular (APC:1.37%, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.78%) cancers. The greatest increases in the ASDR were observed in peripheral nervous system cancer (APC: 0.97%, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.11%) and multiple myeloma (APC: 0.62%, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.72%). Conclusions: From 2000 to 2021, the age-adjusted incidence of early-onset cancer increased, with variation across regions and cancer types. Immediate measures are required at a global, regional, and national level to mitigate the burden of early-onset cancer.
Source: Cancers
Authors: Pojsakorn Danpanichkul, Yanfang Pang, Supapitch Sirimangklanurak, Thanida Auttapracha, Thanawin Pramotedham, Chun Wei Pan, Benjamin Koh, Zhen Yu Wong, Sakditad Saowapa, Shyna Zhuoying Gunalan, Kwanjit Duangsonk, Chanakarn Kanitthamniyom, Donghee Kim, Karn Wijarnpreecha, Amit G. Singal, Daniel Q. Huang, Ju Dong Yang
Institutions: Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Youjiang Medical College for Nationalities, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise University, Chiang Mai University, National University Hospital, National University Health System, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Cook County Health and Hospitals System, National University of Singapore, Queen's Medical Centre, Stanford Medicine, Stanford University, Banner Health, Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix, University of Arizona College of Medicine- Phoenix, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
OpenAlex ID: W4413670325