What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to analyze the epidemiological trends of hematologic malignancies in China and compare them with those in the United States.

May 10, 2026Open Access

Hematologic malignancies burden in China compared with the United States 1990–2021 and projections to 2040

Key Points

This study aims to analyze the epidemiological trends of hematologic malignancies in China and compare them with those in the United States.
Utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 for assessment.
Analyzed incidence cases, deaths, disability-adjusted life years, and age-standardized rates.
Compared disease burden disparities between China and the US.
In 2021, China reported 238051 cases, 117187 deaths, and 3894866 DALYs for hematologic malignancies.
From 1990 to 2021, age-standardized incidence rates increased, while death rates and DALYs declined, except for multiple myeloma.
High BMI was a significant risk factor for deaths, and projections show multiple myeloma burden will increase by 2040.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hematologic malignancies, including leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), multiple myeloma (MM), and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), represent some of the most prevalent cancers. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the epidemiological trends of these malignancies in China. METHODS: Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021), we conducted a detailed assessment of incidence cases, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and corresponding age-standardized rates (ASR) of hematologic malignancies in China. Additionally, we compared the disparity in disease burden between China and the United States (US). RESULTS: In 2021, the incidence cases, deaths, and DALYs of all hematologic malignancies reached 238051.31, 117187.70, and 3894866.98, respectively, in China. From 1990 to 2021, although the age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) of leukemia, MM, and NHL increased, the age-standardized death rates (ASDR) and age-standardized DALYs rates (ASDALYR) declined for all subtypes of hematologic malignancies, with the exception of MM. The ASIR of all subtypes of hematologic malignancies in the US was significantly higher than that in China, while the disparity of ASDALYR between the two countries was smaller. The ASRs for all subtypes of hematologic malignancies exhibited a positive correlation with age and were generally higher in males than in females. High body mass index (BMI) emerged as a significant risk factor contributing to deaths from all hematologic malignancies, and tobacco remains the leading contributor to leukemia-related deaths. Projections indicate that the burden of MM will continue to increase from 2022 to 2040. CONCLUSIONS: While the ASIR of hematologic malignancies has risen over recent decades, the ASDR and ASDALYR have showed a decreasing trend, reflecting China's efforts in reducing the burden of these diseases. However, the disparity in disease burden between China and the US underscores the substantial potential for improving the diagnosis, treatment, and care levels in China.

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