Global Disparities and Temporal Trends in Prostate, Bladder, and Kidney Cancer Burden Among Men: A Systematic Analysis of 204 Countries (1990-2021)

Introduction Urological cancers—primarily prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers—pose a growing global public health challenge, particularly affecting men. While high-income countries have achieved early detection and better treatment outcomes, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) continue to face late diagnoses and healthcare resource limitations. Methods This study leveraged Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) data to assess trends in age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs), age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for the three major urological cancers among men across 204 countries from 1990 to 2021. The ASIRs, ASMRs, and DALYs experienced the same age standardization. Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) was used to evaluate temporal trends. Risk attribution was examined using GBD’s comparative risk assessment framework and stratified by Sociodemographic Index (SDI) levels. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were based on 1000 posterior simulations. Results Globally, prostate cancer ASIRs showed minimal change (EAPC −0.06), while ASMRs declined significantly (EAPC −1.05). North America had the highest incidence but notable mortality reduction, whereas Eastern Europe and sub-Saharan Africa experienced rising mortality despite lower incidence. Bladder cancer incidence declined worldwide (EAPC −0.35) but increased in Central Europe and Southeast Asia. Kidney cancer ASIRs rose globally (EAPC 0.72), with Mongolia showing the fastest increase (EAPC 16.22). Major risk factors included tobacco use, occupational exposures (eg, trichloroethylene), and metabolic conditions like obesity and hypertension. High SDI regions benefited from early screening and targeted therapies, while LMICs bore a heavier DALYs burden due to late-stage diagnoses and limited care. Conclusion Global progress in urological cancer detection and treatment is offset by widening disparities, particularly in LMICs. Addressing these inequities requires policies promoting equitable access to screening, risk factor reduction, and stronger cancer surveillance. Integrated, patient-centered strategies are crucial for achieving cancer control goals and reducing preventable deaths.