Spatiotemporal Trends of Breast Cancer and Attributable Risk Factors in Adolescents and Young Adults Between 1990 and 2019

Background: Breast cancer among adolescent and young adult (AYA) women requires greater awareness and concern due to the aggressive nature of the tumor. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the spatiotemporal trends in the burden of breast cancer in AYA women between 1990 and 2019. Methods: Data on breast cancer in AYA women were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study, and the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was computed to assess trends over time. Results: In 2019, the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of breast cancer among AYA women was 94.8 per 100,000 population, while the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) was 11.29 per 100,000 population. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) declined from 3.02 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 2.78–3.26) to 2.86 (95% UI: 2.58–3.17) per 100,000 population, and the EAPC was –0.41 (95% confidence interval (CI): –0.53 to –0.30). The age-standardized disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rate (ASDR) was 165.2 (95% UI: 148.54–182.26) in 2019, and the EAPC was –0.34 (95% CI: –0.46 to –0.23). The regions with a mid-level sociodemographic index (SDI) exhibited the fastest increases in both the ASPR and ASIR, with EAPCs of 1.77 (95% CI: 1.66 to 1.84) and 1.57 (95% CI: 1.45 to 1.67), respectively. There was an increased trend in the ASDR and ASMR in the low-middle and low SDI regions. The most substantial contributors to the DALYs and death were alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and low physical activity, which were closely followed by high fasting plasma glucose and higher red meat consumption. Conclusions: We comprehensively evaluated the burden of breast cancer in AYA women while considering factors such as SDI, age, risk elements, and geographical distribution. These findings could inform resource allocation and the development of effective policies.