A new global study has revealed significant regional and national disparities in the burden of female cancers, highlighting the need for tailored prevention strategies. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, researchers assessed incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among women aged 20 to 94 from 1990 to 2021.
The study found that the burden of breast, cervical, and uterine cancers has increased overall but varies widely by socio-demographic index (SDI), a measure of development. Higher SDI regions, including the United States, reported greater cancer incidence, largely due to factors such as high body-mass index (BMI), especially in uterine cancer cases. Breast cancer was most linked to diets high in red meat, while cervical cancer remained associated with unsafe sex and disproportionately impacted women in lower SDI regions.
Interestingly, cervical cancer was the only type negatively associated with SDI, suggesting that as countries develop, cases decline—likely due to better access to screening and HPV vaccination. Rural areas in China and lower-income countries still face high risks due to limited healthcare resources and cultural barriers.
The age-period-cohort model used in the study pointed to a slight rise in breast cancer burden among more recent birth cohorts, suggesting the impact of generational lifestyle changes.
Researchers emphasized the importance of considering cultural and socioeconomic contexts when designing interventions. These findings provide critical insight for policymakers looking to reduce cancer burden among women through region-specific strategies.
Helena Bradbury, EMJ
Reference
Li C et al. Regional differences in the disease burden and attributable risk factors of female cancers. Sci Rep. 2025;doi:10.1038/s41598-025-97482-6.
