Global, Regional, and National Burden of Male Breast Cancer, 1990-2021: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

BackgroundMale breast cancer (MBC) is rare and often treated using evidence from female breast cancer (BC) trials due to limited male participation. Previous estimates lacked global coverage and completeness. We aimed to quantify the global MBC burden from 1990 to 2021 and evaluate its current status and trends.MethodsBased on the global burden of disease (GBD) database, we gathered and analyzed data on the incidence, death, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of MBC while utilizing age-standardized rates (ASRs) as indicators for these measurements. Our study calculated the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), aiming at measuring the average change in ASRs. Additionally, we evaluated the attributable risk factors (RFs) and trends of MBC across different regions and age groups worldwide.ResultsIn 2021, the global MBC age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR), age-standardized death rates (ASDR), and age-standardized DALY rates (ASDALY) per 100,000 persons were 0.941 (95% UI, 0.605-1.155), 0.335 (95% UI, 0.232-0.409), and 9.157 (95% UI, 6.116-11.423), respectively. In comparison to 1990, these rates have increased by 2.212 (95% UI, 2.047-2.378), 0.664 (95% UI, 0.562-0.767), and 0.853 (95% UI, 0.750-0.956) respectively. In Uganda 2021, the ASIR and ASDR of MBC were the highest at 4.541 (95% UI, 3.028-6.808) and 3.510 (95% UI, 2.301-5.195) per 100,000 persons, respectively. Moreover, the burden of MBC exhibited an increase with age. Globally, dietary risk was the most important attributable RF for MBC deaths, with a death percentage of 11.690% (95% UI, -0.003%-24.838%), followed by alcohol use and tobacco.ConclusionFrom 1990 to 2021, the ASIR, ASDR, and ASDALY of MBC have shown significant disparities and an increasing trend. Committing to healthy lifestyle choices, such as decreasing tobacco and alcohol consumption and making positive changes to dietary habits, can assist in reducing MBC risk. The development and execution of robust and effective public health policies are crucial for alleviating the global disease burden.