Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Although Asia shoulders a considerable burden of tracheal, bronchial, and lung (TBL) cancers, the associated macroeconomic impact has yet to be adequately investigated. Methods: Using 2023 data from the Global Burden of Disease Study and the World Bank, we applied the value of a statistical life year (VSLY) method to estimate the economic welfare losses attributable to TBL cancers in Asian countries. We further analyzed the temporal trends, sex and age-specific disparities, and the drivers of economic inequality and projected the burden trends to 2050. Results: In Asia, the value of lost welfare (VLW) due to these cancers reached USD 3.28 (95% UI, 2.6301-4.0572) trillion, equivalent to 4.18% (95% UI, 3.35-5.17) of the regional GDP. Temporal trend analyses revealed a consistent upward trajectory in both absolute VLW and its GDP share. Sex-stratified analyses showed that the burden was significantly higher in male populations, and age-specific peaks occurred at 70-74 years for both sexes. Health inequality metrics indicated a pronounced widening of relative disparities over time. Projection models forecast a continued increase in absolute VLW, whereas its proportional contribution to GDP is expected to plateau. Conclusion: These findings establish that TBL cancers impose a substantial and inequitably distributed macroeconomic burden across Asia. The pronounced sex and region-specific disparities underscore the urgent need for evidence-based, geographically targeted intervention strategies. Prioritizing the targeted deployment of resources in high-burden zones is critical to mitigating economic losses and improving survival outcomes in the region.
Source: Frontiers in Public Health
Authors: Long Chen, Haoyang Hu, Jiuhe Wang, Jinglian Qu
Language: English
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Award: G9001170518
OpenAlex ID: W7221452917