https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9175-8559
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Abstract
Objective
As Asian countries transition socially and economically to higher Human Development Index (HDI) levels, cancer trends are expected to shift to those seen in the Western World. A strong correlation also exists between HDI levels and age-standardized rates (ASR) for the incidence and mortality of cancer. However, there are very few reports on the trends in Asian countries, particularly in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). In this study, we have investigated the relationship between socioeconomic developments in Asia (determined using HDI levels of countries) and cancer incidence and mortality in these nations.
Methods
The GLOBOCAN 2020 database was used to study the cancer incidence and mortality data for all cancers combined and those most commonly diagnosed in Asia. The difference in data was analyzed based on region and HDI level. Further, the predictions for cancer incidence and mortality in 2040 according to the GLOBOCAN 2020 were analyzed using the updated HDI stratification described in the UNDP 2020 report.
Results
Asia has the highest cancer burden compared to the other regions worldwide. Lung cancer carries the highest cancer incidence and mortality rates in the region. Inequitable distribution of cancer incidence and mortality is seen across regions and HDI levels in Asia.
Conclusions
Inequalities in cancer incidence and mortality can only be expected to increase unless innovative and cost-effective interventions are urgently implemented. An effective cancer management plan is needed in Asia, particularly in LMICs, prioritizing effective cancer prevention and control measures for health systems.
Transparency
Declaration of financial/other relationships
Authors Manmohan Singh, Roberto Uehara and Stephen E. Schachterle are Pfizer employees and own Pfizer stocks. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work. The results and discussions in this article do not represent or reflect in any way the official policy or position of the current or previous employers of the authors. Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.
Author contributions
All authors made substantial contributions to the conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; took part in drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; gave final approval of the version to be published; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Acknowledgements
The authors sincerely appreciate the medical writing support provided by Dr. Veena Angle, Singapore, on behalf of Transform Medical Communications, New Zealand.