Cancer burden across South Asia in 2020: A global cancer observatory analysis.

Abstract

e23292 Background: The cancer burden in South Asia is often associated with late diagnosis and poor outcomes because of barriers to accessing advanced treatment facilities and targeted therapies, financial sequelae of care, and cultural stigmas and misconceptions. We use recent estimates of the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) to better understand the epidemiology of cancer in South Asia, which may inform national and regional cancer control. Methods: Using publicly available data from the GCO and the World Bank, we collected cancer statistics and population statistics for Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka (collectively, SAARC) from 2015-2020. Results: The crude incidence of cancer in this region was 1,733,573 cases, representing 9.0% of the incidence worldwide. The crude incidence rate (CIR, per 100,000) of cancer in SAARC was 93.4 compared to the worldwide rate of 247.5. The 5-year prevalence (in total cases) of cancer in South Asia was 3,474,184, compared to 50,550,287 globally. The crude mortality rate (CMR, per 100,000) in South Asia was 60.6, compared to 127.8 globally. However, the mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) (per 100,000) was 0.65, compared to 0.52 globally. Age-adjusted estimates are reported in the table. Conclusions: Our research highlights South Asia's unique cancer landscape with CIR and MIR, but elevated MIR compared to global figures. These findings underscore the need for a united, contextually relevant approach to addressing the burden of cancer in South Asia. Investment in collaborative, tailored cancer care programs will build the SAARC region's capacity to address the growing global cancer challenge. [Table: see text]