Laryngeal Cancer in Europe and Its Subregions: A Temporal Epidemiological Analysis Based on Global Burden of Disease Data

Introduction Laryngeal cancer remains a significant public health issue in Europe, with considerable variation across countries and regions. Evaluating trends in incidence, mortality, and survival indicators such as the mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) may provide insights into disparities and guide policy development. The objective of this study was to conduct a 25-year epidemiological data analysis of age-standardized rates (ASRs) for the incidence and mortality of laryngeal cancer, and to compare the MIRs across European countries and subregions (North, South, East, and West Europe), using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database. Methods We extracted secondary data on laryngeal cancer from the GBD dataset provided by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) for the years 1997 to 2021. ASRs for incidence and mortality, as well as MIRs based on these ASRs, were analyzed. Descriptive statistics (mean, median, standard deviation, minimum-maximum range) and linear regression were performed using Microsoft Excel 365. Results All key indicators showed a downward trend over the 25-year period. The average MIR declined from 0.563 in 1997 to 0.459 in 2021 (R² = 96.26%, p < 0.001). Northern Europe improved from 0.448 to 0.355, while Western Europe consistently reported the lowest MIRs (0.388 to 0.326), likely reflecting improved access to specialized oncology services, advanced treatment protocols, and more equitable healthcare delivery. Finland (0.252), France (0.263), Ireland (0.274), Sweden (0.276), and Norway (0.278) had the most favorable MIRs. Eastern Europe, despite improvement (from 0.690 to 0.565), still exhibited the highest MIRs. Southern Europe also showed a decrease (0.575 to 0.465), although countries like Montenegro and Serbia reported the highest incidence rates (up to 9.9 cases per 100,000). Conclusion Substantial geographical disparities were observed in laryngeal cancer incidence, mortality, and management across Europe. Northern countries demonstrate better preventive strategies, while Western Europe shows more effective disease management. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, reducing inequalities, and improving access to quality cancer care.