Cancer is one of the most feared diseases globally, with profound impacts on both individuals’ quality of life and society as a whole. As the number of cases continues to rise each year, cancer has not only become an urgent health issue but also a significant challenge for global health systems. The journal published by Universitas Airlangga titled “Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Years of Life Lost, Years Lived with Disability, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years for 29 Cancer Groups from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019” provides a comprehensive view of the global burden of cancer, including incidence, mortality rates, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-adjusted life years (DALY).
Cancer in Numbers: An Overview
This study analyzes global data from 29 different cancer groups, offering deep insights into the trends in cancer incidence and mortality across various countries and regions. Based on data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study in 2019, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The increase in cancer incidence is largely driven by various factors, including lifestyle changes, an aging population, and increased exposure to risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diets, and environmental pollution.
Cancer Incidence and Mortality: Concerning Patterns
Cancer Incidence
Cancer incidence refers to the number of new cases diagnosed within a specific period. According to this study, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of several types of cancer, including breast, lung, and colorectal cancers. For example, breast cancer has become the most common cancer in many countries, with incidence rates rising each year. This is largely associated with factors such as urbanization, increased reproductive age, and dietary changes.
Cancer Mortality
Cancer mortality refers to the number of deaths caused by cancer. The study reveals that while some cancers have high incidence rates, mortality rates vary depending on the type of cancer and access to healthcare. Lung cancer, for example, remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, despite significant efforts in prevention and treatment. This reflects the substantial challenges in early detection and treatment of lung cancer, which is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
The Burden of Cancer: Years of Life Lost and Living with Disability
Years of Life Lost (YLL)
Years of Life Lost (YLL) measures the burden of premature death due to cancer. The study found that lung, liver, and stomach cancers have the highest YLL, reflecting the significant impact of these cancers on life expectancy. These cancers are often diagnosed at advanced stages, meaning that many patients lose years of productive life.
Years Lived with Disability (YLD)
Years Lived with Disability (YLD) measures the number of years lived with disability due to cancer. The study shows that cancers causing long-term morbidity, such as colorectal and breast cancers, have high YLD. This underscores the importance of not only extending patients’ life expectancy but also improving their quality of life through effective symptom management and rehabilitation.
Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY)
Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) is a measure that combines YLL and YLD to provide a complete picture of the disease burden. DALY is used to measure the loss of healthy life years due to cancer. According to this study, lung, liver, and stomach cancers have the highest DALY burden globally, highlighting the urgent need for more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Implications for Global Health
Challenges in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
The findings from this study underscore the complexity of cancer prevention and treatment at the global level. Despite advances in medical technology and cancer therapies, there are still significant gaps in access to quality care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, prevention efforts are often hindered by a lack of awareness and access to effective screening programs.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of cancer remains one of the most effective ways to reduce cancer mortality. The study shows that countries with good screening programs tend to have higher survival rates for certain types of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancers. Therefore, investing in screening programs and educating the public about the early signs of cancer is crucial to reducing the global cancer burden.
The Need for a Holistic Approach
To address the global burden of cancer, a more holistic approach is needed that includes prevention, early detection, appropriate treatment, and support for rehabilitation and palliative care for cancer patients. Health policies focusing on reducing risk factors, improving access to care, and strengthening health systems are key to reducing the future cancer burden.
Conclusion
The study “Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Years of Life Lost, Years Lived with Disability, and Disability-Adjusted Life Years for 29 Cancer Groups from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019” provides a deep understanding of the significant challenges the world faces in addressing cancer. With increasing cancer incidence and mortality, and a profound impact on patients’ quality of life, collective efforts are needed to develop more effective strategies for cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Through an integrated, evidence-based approach, we can reduce the cancer burden and improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
Link Journal : https://scholar.unair.ac.id/en/publications/cancer-incidence-mortality-years-of-life-lost-years-lived-with-di