The global, regional, and national burden of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its attributable risk factors in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2019.

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is uncommon in most areas of the world but poses a significant public health burden in endemic regions. OBJECTIVES: We provide an overview of the most recent global epidemiology of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). METHODS: We estimated the burden of NPC in 204 countries and territories by age, sex, and Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) from 1990 to 2019. RESULTS: At the GBD regional level, the most severe age-standardized incidence in 2019 occurred in East Asia. From 1990 to 2019, the East Asia and High-income Asia Pacific had the greatest increase in percentage in age-standardized incidence. Central Asia and the Caribbean had the greatest increase in percentage in age-standardized disability-adjusted life-years (DALY) and death rates. At the national level, Cabo Verde, Romania, and the Cyprus reported the largest percentage increases in the age-standardized incidence. Cabo Verde, Romania, and Jamaica reported the largest increases in the age-standardized DALY and death rates. CONCLUSIONS: The global age-standardized incidence of NPC increased globally between 1990 and 2019, especially in the East Asia.