Global, regional and national burden and trends of larynx cancer among adults aged 55 and older from 1990 to 2021: results from the global burden of disease study 2021

Laryngeal cancer (LC), as a common head and neck tumor, significantly impacts the quality of life. Utilizing data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, we sought to delve deeply into the global LC burden experienced by individuals aged 55 and older from 1990 to 2021 at the global, regional, and national levels. This research encompassed three key indicators: incidence rate, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Based on the GBD 2021 database, we selected data from 204 countries and regions covering the period from 1990 to 2021 for individuals aged 55 and above. We analyzed LC's performance in terms of incidence, mortality, and DALYs, calculating the age-standardized rates and the mean average annual percent change (AAPC) at global, regional, and national levels. In our analysis of global trends, we carefully considered multiple variables including age, sex, and the socio-demographic index (SDI). Furthermore, we assessed potential risk factors for LC-associated DALYs and made prospective predictions for the possible scenario by 2035. Globally, the age-standardized DALY rate of LC among adults aged 55 years and older has undergone significant changes. Specifically, this rate dropped sharply from 245.89 cases per 100,000 people in 1990 to 153.76 cases per 100,000 people in 2021, with an AAPC showing a decreasing trend of -2.916. Simultaneously, the age-standardized incidence rate and mortality rate also exhibited a similar downward trend. From a regional perspective, South Asia ranked highest in relevant indicators in 2021, reporting a death toll of 29,258.96, confirmed cases of 34,234.23, and DALYs related to LC reaching 709,622.00. In contrast, the figures in Oceania were the lowest, with only 26.23 deaths, 29.53 incident cases, and 609.09 DALYs. When divided according to the quintiles of the SDI, in 2021, the medium-high SDI led in incidence rates, while the low SDI ranked last. However, in terms of mortality and DALY rates, medium-low SDI topped the list, with high SDI being the lowest. In terms of gender differences, in 2021, the age-standardized DALY rate of LC in males was approximately 7.13 times that of females, with the former reaching 282.12 cases per 100,000 people and the latter only 39.59 cases per 100,000 people. Among all age groups, a notable decrease was observed in the age-specific incidence rate and DALY for adults aged 60-64 years, with AAPC values of -0.123 (95% CI: -0.130 to -0.116) and - 3.553 (95% CI: -3.620 to -3.486), respectively. Similarly, the mortality rate for adults aged 65-69 years also showed a significant decline, with an AAPC of -0.123 (95% CI: -0.127 to -0.118). Additionally, tobacco has been revealed as the most important risk factor affecting the mortality and DALY of LC in adults aged 55 years and older. Looking ahead, it is predicted that by 2035, the incidence rate, mortality rate, and DALY rate of LC among people over 55 years old will continue to decline. Despite the current data and future predictions indicating a decline in the global age-standardized incidence rate, the absolute number of estimates continues to increase. Therefore, we advocate that cancer prevention strategies should place greater emphasis on vigorously addressing modifiable risk factors, particularly for the male population, which requires special attention and scientific intervention.