Global trends in the incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer from 1990 to 2017

Researchers quantified trends in the incidence as well as mortality of esophageal cancer, on a global level, by analyzing relevant data by age and gender for 195 countries and territories from 1990 to 2017 using the Global Burden of Disease database. They identified age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age‐standardized mortality rate (ASMR) were highest in Malawi, East Asia, and high‐middle social‐demographic index (SDI) areas, and an upward trend in ASIR and ASMR was evident in western Sub‐Saharan Africa. Men and the 70+ years age group showed highest incidence and mortality in esophageal cancer, and they presented a declining trend in most areas, but a rising trend was reported for the 15‐49 years age groups in Australasia, Caribbean, and Oceania and the 70+ years age group in High‐Income North America, Oceania and high‐SDI regions. In the light of these findings, the heterogeneity of global trends of esophageal cancer can be understood, and this heterogeneity can assist to recognize high‐risk populations as well as to afford hints for the exploration of the cause and early prevention of the disease.