The global, regional, and national disease burden and risk factors of male breast cancer from 1990 to 2021: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study

Abstract

Male breast cancer (MBC) contributes to approximately 1% of total breast cancer diagnoses, with rapidly rising incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Since most breast cancer research has focused on women, this study intended to report the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of MBC to aid in its control and prevention. The data on the incidence, DALYs, deaths, and age-standardized rates of MBC between 1990 and 2021 in different countries and territories were sourced from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. In 1990 and 2021, Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest incidence, DALYs, and mortality rates. Countries in the middle socio-demographic index quintile showed the fastest growth in age-standardized incidence rate, ASDR, and ASMR. From 1990 to 2021, the incidence, mortality rate, and DALYs of MBC increased worldwide. Alcohol use, dietary risks, and tobacco use were risk factors for ASMR, with dietary risks ranking first in all GBD regions. The rise in the number of cases of breast cancer in men places substantial stress on humans. Hence, policymakers should establish effective interventions and strategies for patients with MBC in accordance with the local situation.