Global burden of respiratory system cancers in 2022 and 2050: incidence and mortality estimates from GLOBOCAN

Abstract Background Respiratory system cancers, primarily encompassing lung cancer, tracheal cancer, bronchial cancer, and laryngeal cancer, severely jeopardize patients’ lives. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the global burden of respiratory system cancers in 2022 using the GLOBOCAN 2022 database, providing references for their prevention. Methods This study analyzed the incidence, mortality, and corresponding age-standardized rates (ASR) of respiratory system cancers in 2022 across different world regions and Human Development Index (HDI) regions, leveraging data from the GLOBOCAN 2022 database. Subsequently, the study analyzed the incidence and mortality rates across different genders and age groups. Finally, the respiratory system cancers' disease burden from 2022 to 2050 was projected. Results Hungary had the highest age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) for respiratory system cancers. Regions with very high HDI also had the highest ASIR and ASMR. In Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa, respiratory system cancers' incidence and mortality rates were higher in males than in females. Meanwhile, within each HDI category, males also exhibited higher incidence and mortality rates compared to females. In addition, respiratory system cancers' incidence and mortality rates started to rise among those aged 40. It is important to highlight that the incidence and mortality rates among males were generally higher than among females, and the growth rate was also faster. Moreover, from 2022 to 2050, both respiratory system cancers' incidence and mortality rates were predicted to present an upward trend year by year. Conclusion This study, grounded in the GLOBOCAN 2022 database, elucidated the respiratory system cancers global burden. It thereby furnished theoretical references for subsequent preventive measures.