Global Burden of Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Attributable to Alcohol Use in 204 Countries and Regions

Lip and oral cavity cancer is a significant global health burden. Alcohol use is a major independent risk factor. This study aims to comprehensively quantify the global disease burden of lip and oral cavity cancer attributable to alcohol use from 1990 to 2019 and to identify temporal, geographical, and gender-specific patterns.

This study aims to estimate the trends in age-standardized death rates (ASDR) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for lip and oral cancer attributable to alcohol use in 204 countries and 21 regions. Additionally, we will calculate the estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) for these trends.

Between 1990 and 2019, the global number of deaths and DALYs for lip and oral cancers attributable to alcohol use increased. In 2019, Central Europe had the highest ASDR per 100,000 for lip and oral cancer due to alcohol (EAPC = 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-1.83), while East Asia (EAPC = 2.66, 95% CI: 2.32-3.00). Eastern Europe had the highest DALY rate per 100,000 individuals (46.60), and East Asia showed the most significant increase (EAPC = 2.48, 95% CI: 2.15-2.81). Across all measures - including deaths, DALYs, ASDR, and DALY rates - men had considerably higher values than women in both 1990 and 2019.

The absolute quantity of lip and oral cancer attributable to alcohol consumption was continuously increasing. Between 1990 and 2019. The findings reveal pronounced geographical disparities, with a particularly heavy burden in Central and Eastern Europe, and the most rapid increase observed in East Asia. A striking gender disparity persists, with males bearing a substantially higher burden than females.

Healthcare professionals should prioritize screening and interventions for alcohol use, particularly among high-risk populations in regions with increasing burden, to reduce the incidence and mortality of lip and oral cavity cancer.