Analysis and comparison of the burden of male breast cancer: differences between the global, China, India, and the United States

Abstract

Background: Male breast cancer (MBC) is characterized by an older onset age, a higher histological grade, a later TNM stage, and a worse prognosis compared to female breast cancer. This places considerable pressure on global health systems. This study reviewed the trends of MBC burden in China, the United States of America, India, and worldwide from 1990 to 2021. Methods: Data was obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. The Joinpoint regression model was used to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) and the average annual percentage change (AAPC). In addition, the age-period-cohort (APC) model was employed to explore the effects of age, period, and cohort on CRC mortality. Through decomposition analysis and health inequality assessment, the study explores the influence of aging, population, epidemiological changes, and income inequality on shifts in the disease burden. Results: The number of MBC incidence and death cases has nearly tripled in the last three decades. In addition, Age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) increased from 0.525 per 100,000 (95%CI: 0.460–0.603) in 1990 to 0.941 per 100,000 (95%CI: 0.605–1.155) in 2021. According to the Joinpoint model, the global average annual percentage change (AAPC) in the burden of MBC incidence and mortality from 1990 to 2021 was positive. Meanwhile, among the three countries evaluated, only the United States had a negative AAPC. Similarly, using the APC model, the net drift of incidence and mortality in the United States was − 1.081% [95% CI: (-1.400%, -0.7617%)] and − 1.360% [95% CI: (-2.464%, -0.2441%)]. The decomposition analysis revealed that epidemiological changes exerted the most significant influence on the global, Chinese, and Indian cases, accounting for 47.17%, 65.44%, and 50.44% respectively. On Health Inequities research shows that between 1990 and 2021, health inequities between different locations have shown a downward trend. Conclusions: The United States, a representative of high SDI countries, has shown an overall reduction in the burden of MBC. India and China have both experienced an increase in the burden of MBC since 1990. Health organizations in different regions should take active steps to reduce the worrisome burden of MBC.