Epidemiological Trends and Burden of Adult Kidney Cancer in Saudi Arabia: A 42-Year Retrospective Analysis...

Cancer epidemiology differs between males and females due to variation in exposure to risk factors. Kidney cancer incidence and mortality have increased globally, yet long-term sex-specific trends in Saudi Arabia remain insufficiently characterised. Kidney cancer incidence in Saudi Arabia has increased steadily over time, with an average annual percentage change (APC) of 3.22% over the study period.

This study aimed to analyse long-term trends in kidney cancer burden in Saudi Arabia and to compare incidence, mortality, years of life lost (YLLs) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) by sex over the period 1982-2023.

A retrospective observational study was conducted using non-overlapping data from the Saudi Cancer Registry and the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study. Adults aged 20 years and older diagnosed with kidney cancer between 1982 and 2023 were included. Age-standardised incidence, mortality, YLLs and DALYs were analysed by sex. Temporal trends were assessed using log-linear regression models and APC was calculated.

A cumulative total of 34 247 adult kidney cancer cases was identified between 1982 and 2023. Over the 42-year period, incidence increased by 3.22% annually. The increase was faster in females than in males (3.65% vs. 2.99%, p < 0.001). YLLs rose by 1.45% per year and DALYs by 1.73%, both showing greater increases among females. Despite this, the overall burden remained consistently higher in males across all indicators. Disease burden increased progressively with age and was highest in older adult populations.

Kidney cancer burden has increased substantially in Saudi Arabia over the past four decades. Although males experience a higher overall burden, females show a faster rate of increase. These findings highlight the need for sex-specific prevention strategies, improved early detection, and strengthened national surveillance. Addressing modifiable risk factors such as smoking, obesity and hypertension remains a priority for public health intervention.