A groundbreaking epidemiological study based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database has shed new light on early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC) across the 11 BRICS countries.
The research offers critical insights into incidence patterns, risk factors, and future projections of a disease that is often underdiagnosed yet increasingly significant for public health.
Gastric cancer remains the world’s fifth most common malignancy. Early-onset cases, defined as those diagnosed in younger populations, now make up nearly 10% of overall cases. Researchers warn that younger patients often present distinct genetic and clinical profiles, demanding tailored approaches in prevention and treatment.
The study found that between 1990 and 2021, EOGC cases across BRICS declined by nearly 12%, while disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) dropped by over 33%. Despite this progress, the burden remains unevenly distributed. China and India account for the highest absolute case numbers, while the United Arab Emirates reports the lowest burden.
Gender disparities also emerged. Men consistently face higher risks except in Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Smoking and high-sodium diets were identified as leading modifiable risk factors, with Russia and China recording the highest smoking-attributable burden. India and Ethiopia face heightened risks from excessive sodium intake.
“The identification of smoking and dietary sodium as top modifiable factors underscores the urgent need for targeted policy action,” the authors noted. “Coordinated strategies in tobacco control and nutrition could significantly reduce the early-onset gastric cancer burden.”
Although most countries show declining age-standardized rates, exceptions exist. Egypt has recorded slight increases, while South Africa and Saudi Arabia experienced temporary surges linked to shifting healthcare dynamics. Projections to 2035 indicate overall declines but also predict South Africa could rise to the second-highest age-standardized DALY rate, signaling a need for intensified interventions.
Experts stress that demographically tailored prevention is key. Younger populations, men, and higher socio-demographic index (SDI) countries remain most vulnerable. Coordinated regional strategies, robust surveillance, and harmonized prevention campaigns within BRICS are seen as vital steps forward.
The research provides policymakers with actionable insights, reinforcing the importance of addressing lifestyle risks while ensuring equitable healthcare access across emerging economies.
