JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is one of the most common head and neck cancers.

Objective:

This study describes global epidemiological profiles of NPC incidence and mortality in 2020 and the projected burden in 2040.

Methods:

The estimated numbers of NPC cases and deaths were retrieved from the GLOBOCAN 2020 dataset. Age-standardized incidence (ASIRs) and mortality rates (ASMRs) were calculated using the world standard. The future number of NPC cases and deaths by 2040 were estimated based on global demographic projections.

Results:

Globally, approximately 133,000 cases and 80,000 deaths from NPC were estimated in 2020, corresponding to ASIRs and ASMRs of 1.5 and 0.9 per 100,000, respectively. The largest numbers for both cases and deaths from NPC occurred in Eastern Asia (49% and 46% of global NPC cases and deaths, respectively), in which China contributed most to this burden (47% and 44% of global NPC cases and deaths, respectively). The ASIRs and ASMRs were approximately three-fold higher in men than women. Incidence rates varied across world regions, with the highest ASIRs for both men and women detected in South-Eastern Asia (7.7 and 2.5 per 100,000, respectively) and Eastern Asia (3.9 and 1.5, respectively). The highest ASMRs for both men and women were found in South-Eastern Asia (5.4 and 1.5 per 100,000, respectively). By 2040, the annual number of cases and deaths will increase to 179,000 (a 35% increase from the year 2020) and 114,000 (a 42% increase), respectively.

Conclusions:

Disparities in NPC incidence and mortality persist worldwide. Our study highlights the urgent need to develop and accelerate NPC control initiatives to tackle the NPC burden in certain regions and countries (e.g., South-Eastern Asia and China).