Global, regional and country-specific burden of larynx cancer due to occupational exposure to asbestos: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Abstract

Background: Laryngeal cancer (LC) attributable to occupational asbestos exposure remains a significant global health concern. This study aimed to assess the global burden of LC caused by asbestos exposure using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. Methods: Data from the Global Burden of Diseases study 2021 were used to analyze the global burden of LC, including incidence, mortality, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021. The study employed age-standardized rates (ASR) for comparison. Trend analysis was performed using annual percentage change (EAPC) to examine temporal changes in LC burden. Bayesian age-period-cohort modeling was utilized to project future trends from 2022 to 2046. Results: In 2021, the global burden of LC attributable to occupational asbestos exposure was 3,392 deaths and 66,909 DALYs. The burden was significantly higher in males compared to females. The age-standardized mortality rate was highest in high-SDI regions, but low- and middle-SDI regions showed increasing trends. From 1990 to 2021, global LC mortality and DALYs decreased, with a notable reduction in high-income countries, while many low- and middle-income countries experienced either stable or rising trends. Projections indicate continued decline in high-income countries but persistent or increasing burden in lower-income regions. Conclusion: This study highlights the ongoing global disparities in the burden of LC due to occupational asbestos exposure. While high-income countries have made significant progress in reducing this burden, low- and middle-income countries continue to face challenges due to ongoing asbestos use.