Global, regional, and national burden and trends of kidney cancer associated with high BMI from 1990 to 2021: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Hong Luo, Hailiang Jing, Houyu Zhao and Yun Zhao

PLOS ONE, 2025, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-17

Abstract: Background: Kidney cancer represents a significant health concern that profoundly impacts the well-being of individuals, particularly those with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI). Although kidney cancer’s impact is substantial, there remains a paucity of comprehensive global research dedicated to elucidating the specific burden attributable to kidney cancer in association with elevated BMI levels. This study endeavors to address this gap by examining the global distribution, incidence rates, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) linked to kidney cancer as a consequence of high BMI between the years 1990 and 2021. Utilizing data sourced from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study, the research seeks to provide a clearer understanding of how excess body weight contributes to the global kidney cancer burden. Methods: The methods utilized in our comprehensive analysis were grounded in kidney cancer data sourced from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 report. This data was meticulously examined to understand the distribution, incidence rates, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) pertaining to kidney cancer across 204 countries and regions. The information was stratified by age group, sex, calendar year, geographical area, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI) to provide a detailed overview of the disease’s impact. To evaluate temporal trends and shifts within these metrics, we employed the Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) methodology, thereby allowing for a nuanced assessment of how kidney cancer patterns have evolved over the period studied. Results: From 1990 to 2021, the global incidence of kidney cancer associated with high Body Mass Index (BMI) witnessed a substantial increase. By 2021, it was estimated that there were approximately 720,000 new cases, a significant rise from the roughly 500,000 cases recorded in 1990. Over this period, global trends indicated rising age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) rates for kidney cancer. The Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) for both ASIR and DALY rate was positive, indicating an upward trend in kidney cancer’s global impact. Regions characterized by middle Socio-demographic Index (SDI) levels reported the highest absolute numbers of kidney cancer cases, whereas areas with high SDI levels demonstrated the highest per capita rates. Incidence rates were found to peak among middle-aged individuals. Notably, males experienced higher rates of kidney cancer compared to females across all age brackets, suggesting a gender disparity in the disease’s prevalence. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and public health strategies aimed at addressing the growing burden of kidney cancer, particularly in populations with high BMI. Conclusion: The global impact of kidney cancer associated with high BMI has expanded notably from 1990 to 2021, highlighting significant variations across different SDI regions, countries, and sexes. This increasing trend underscores the need for targeted interventions and public health strategies, particularly in regions and populations where kidney cancer prevalence is disproportionately high due to high BMI. Strengthening preventive measures and raising awareness about the risks of high BMI could help mitigate the growing burden of kidney cancer worldwide.

Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0320185

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0320185

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