Burden of hepatitis B virus-associated liver cancer in Asia: findings from the global burden of disease study

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is widespread in Asia. Of the many chronic diseases linked to HBV, among the most important is liver cancer. This study analysed the disease burden of chronic hepatitis B-associated liver cancer in Asia from 1990 to 2021. Methods Data were obtained from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study. We analyzed incidence, prevalence, deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Asian regions and countries from 1990 to 2021 by age and sex. Data processing and graph construction were performed using RStudio and BioWinford. The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyse the temporal data trends. Results From 1990 to 2021, the disease burden of hepatitis B-related liver cancer in Asia decreased. A decline was observed in the rates of incidence (AAPC: −0.6), prevalence (AAPC: −0.1), deaths (AAPC: −1.0), and DALYs (AAPC: −1.2), even though their absolute numbers all increased. The number of incidence, prevalence, deaths and DALYs is highest among the middle-aged and older adults, and the highest rate is found among the older adults. Both the number and rate are highest in East Asia. Disease burdens differ by country. Discussion The burden of hepatitis B-associated liver cancer in Asia has decreased over the past three decades, but remains non-negligible. Asian countries need to take corresponding measures against hepatitis B.