The global, regional, and national burden of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its attributable risk factors in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2019

Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is uncommon in most areas of the world but poses a significant public health burden in endemic regions. Objectives We provide an overview of the most recent global epidemiology of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Methods We estimated the burden of NPC in 204 countries and territories by age, sex, and Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) from 1990 to 2019. Results At the GBD regional level, the most severe age-standardized incidence in 2019 occurred in East Asia. From 1990 to 2019, the East Asia and High-income Asia Pacific had the greatest increase in percentage in age-standardized incidence. Central Asia and the Caribbean had the greatest increase in percentage in age-standardized disability-adjusted life-years (DALY) and death rates. At the national level, Cabo Verde, Romania, and the Cyprus reported the largest percentage increases in the age-standardized incidence. Cabo Verde, Romania, and Jamaica reported the largest increases in the age-standardized DALY and death rates. Conclusions The global age-standardized incidence of NPC increased globally between 1990 and 2019, especially in the East Asia.