Global trends and risk factors of laryngeal cancer: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study (1990-2021)

Introduction This study aimed to explore the epidemiological trends of laryngeal cancer (LC) using the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data. Methods We analyzed the global LC incidence, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and risk factors from 1990 to 2021. We evaluated trends using the annual percentage change (EAPC) and examined variations and associations in LC burden across regions, sociodemographic index (SDI) categories, and age groups. Results In 2021, the global age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) for LC was 2.293 (95% UI: 2.133-2.466), the age-standardized death rate (ASDR) was 1.35 (1.259-1.449), and the age-standardized DALYs rate was 35.803 (33.294-38.538). The EAPCs for ASIR, ASDR, and age-standardized DALYs were -1.089, -1.659, and -1.816, respectively. The ASIR was positively correlated with the SDI (R = 0.32, P < 0.05). The Caribbean had the highest ASDR (2.69) and second-highest EAPC of ASDR (-0.151). Tobacco accounted for 66.46% of global LC deaths, with a decreasing trend over the last 30 years (R = -1, P < 0.05). Conversely, occupational exposure among females showed an increasing trend (R = 0.61, P < 0.05). The reduction in death rate for the 80-89 years age group was nearly twice as high in the high SDI regions as in the low SDI regions (21.89% vs. 11.92%). Conclusions From 1990 to 2021, global LC incidence, deaths, and DALYs decreased, although regional disparities persisted. Death rates remain high in economically disadvantaged regions, especially among the elderly and females with occupational risk. Continued efforts to control tobacco use, develop equitable screening programs, and enhance occupational safety are crucial for addressing global disparities in LC outcomes.