Global burden of cancer and associated risk factors in 204 countries and territories, 1980–2021: a systematic analysis for the GBD 2021

Cancer is the second most common cause of death globally. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate cancer incidence, mortality rates, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to enhance preventive measures and healthcare resource allocation. This study aimed to assess cancer burden and associated risk factors in 204 countries and territories between 1980 and 2021.

We selected data on cancer incidence and mortality rates and associated risk factors from the global burden of disease (GBD) study tool for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021 and 1980 to 2021. We estimated the age-standardized incidence (ASIR) and age-standardized deaths (ASDR) of 34 cancer types categorized as level 3 causes based on the GBD hierarchy.