Improvement in the Mortality-to-Incidence Ratios for Gastric Cancer in Developed Countries With High Health Expenditures

Global Disparities of Cancer and Its Projected Burden in 2050

Importance

Cancer prevention and care efforts have been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic and armed conflicts, resulting in a decline in the global Human Development Index (HDI), particularly in low- and middle-income countries. These challenges and subsequent shifts in health care priorities underscore the need to continuously monitor cancer outcome disparities and statistics globally to ensure delivery of equitable and optimal cancer prevention and care in uncertain times.

Objective

To measure the global burden of 36 cancers in 2022 by sex, age, and geographic location and to project future trends by 2050.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used population-based data from 2022 in 185 countries and territories were obtained from the Global Cancer Observatory database. Data extraction and analysis were carried out in April 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Counts, rates, prevalence, mortality to incidence ratios (MIRs), and demography-based projections were used to characterize current and future cancer burden.

Results

This population-based study included 36 cancer types from 185 countries and territories. By 2050, 35.3 million cancer cases worldwide are expected, a 76.6% increase from the 2022 estimate of 20 million. Similarly, 18.5 million cancer deaths are projected by 2050, an 89.7% increase from the 2022 estimate of 9.7 million. Cancer cases and deaths are projected to nearly triple in low-HDI countries by 2050, compared to a moderate increase in very high-HDI countries (142.1% vs 41.7% for cancer cases and 146.1% vs 56.8% for cancer deaths). Males had a higher incidence and greater number of deaths in 2022 than females, with this disparity projected to widen by up to 16.0% in 2050. In 2022, the MIR for all cancers was 46.6%, with higher MIRs observed for pancreatic cancer (89.4%), among males (51.7%), among those aged 75 years or older (64.3%), in low-HDI countries (69.9%), and in the African region (67.2%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study based on data from 2022, cancer disparities were evident across HDI, geographic regions, age, and sex, with further widening projected by 2050. These findings suggest that strengthening access to and quality of health care, including universal health insurance coverage, is key to providing evidence-based cancer prevention, diagnostics, and care.

Burden of 30 cancers among men: Global statistics in 2022 and projections for 2050 using population-based estimates

BACKGROUND

Men exhibit higher prevalence of modifiable risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, leading to greater cancer incidence and lower survival rates. Comprehensive evidence on global cancer burden among men, including disparities by age group and country, is sparse. To address this, the authors analyzed 30 cancer types among men in 2022, with projections estimated for 2050.

METHODS

The 2022 GLOBOCAN estimates were used to describe cancer statistics for men in 185 countries/territories worldwide. Mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs) were calculated by dividing age-standardized mortality rates by incidence rates.

RESULTS

In 2022, a high MIR (indicating poor survival) was observed among older men (aged 65 years and older; 61%) for rare cancer types (pancreatic cancer, 91%) and in countries with low a Human Development Index (HDI; 74%). Between 2022 and 2050, cancer cases are projected to increase from 10.3 million to 19 million (≥84%). Deaths are projected to increase from 5.4 million to 10.5 million (≥93%), with a greater than two-fold increase among men aged 65 years and older (≥117%) and for low-HDI and medium-HDI countries/territories (≥160%). Cancer cases and deaths are projected to increase among working-age groups (≥39%) and very-high-HDI countries/territories (≥50%).

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial disparities in cancer cases and deaths were observed among men in 2022, and these are projected to widen by 2050. Strengthening health infrastructure, enhancing workforce quality and access, fostering national and international collaborations, and promoting universal health coverage are crucial to reducing cancer disparities and ensuring cancer equity among men globally.

Cutaneous Melanoma Mortality-to-Incidence Ratio and Its Association With Socioeconomic and Healthcare Factors in Canada: A National Ecological Study

INTRODUCTION

The mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) can be used to approximate healthcare inequities and is helpful to understand/compare cancer survival between geographic regions/jurisdictions. We investigated cutaneous melanoma (CM) outcomes through MIR analysis in Canadian jurisdictions and census divisions (CDs) between 1992 and 2016.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the national databases from 1992 to 2016 for all Canadian jurisdictions, except Quebec. Age-standardized overall and median MIRs were calculated per province per year, while crude MIRs were calculated for CDs. Generalized linear regression models were conducted to study the effect of province and year on MIR, while a mixed effect regression model was used to determine how healthcare and socioeconomic factors affect MIR, while accounting for possible clustering effects (eg, year and province).

RESULTS

We identified 106,015 CM cases and 20,570 CM deaths between 1992 and 2016. National MIR from 1992 to 2016 demonstrated a significant linear decrease (P value < .0001). The national median MIR was 15.4 (ie, 0.154 × 100), whereby Manitoba (19.9), Ontario (19.5), Saskatchewan (18.5), British Columbia (16.1), and Newfoundland and Labrador (15.9) demonstrated higher MIRs than the Canadian average. CDs with the highest MIRs were commonly identified in the southern regions of provinces. No healthcare or socioeconomic factors were found to be significantly associated with higher MIR at the provincial level.

CONCLUSION

MIRs have decreased at the national and provincial levels in recent decades, which is reassuring. Higher MIRs were noted in select rural CDs and in the Canadian territories, reinforcing the importance of proper dermatological care in all parts of the country.

Descriptive Epidemiology of Gastric Cancer: A Population-Based Study From Georgia

Background Gastric cancer (GC) remains a significant public health issue in many countries globally due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. In Georgia, the incidence of GC reflects the prevalence patterns of established risk factors. To develop appropriate prevention and treatment strategies, GC requires a comprehensive approach and research. This study aims to review and describe GC epidemiologic characteristics in the country. Methodology We conducted a descriptive analysis utilizing data from the national population-based cancer registry. All patients diagnosed with invasive GC between 2015 and 2022 were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. To calculate age-standardized incidence (ASIR) and mortality (ASMR) rates we used a direct method, standardized to the World (WHO 2000-2025) standard population. Trends in Incidence and mortality were assessed using standardized rate ratios (SRRs). The mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) was defined as the ratio of the ASMR to the ASIR for the corresponding year. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to construct survival curves with survival comparisons performed using the log-rank test. Results A total of 2,707 GC cases with 62% (n = 1,668) of patients being male were enrolled in this descriptive study. The median age at diagnosis was 65 years, and about 70% (n = 1,893) of cases were detected at advanced (III and IV) stages. Over the study period, the ASIR per 100,000 population for both sexes decreased from 8.4 to 7.3. The SRR and 95% confidence interval indicated no significant change in ASIR for males but it decreased for females in 2022 compared to 2015. In 2022, the ASMR decreased compared to 2015 for males (from 10.5 to 7.3/100,00) and for females (from 5.8 to 3.0/100,000) as well. However, the MIR ​​indicated an unstable reduction in mortality, fluctuating over the observation period. The five-year survival rate was around 22.0%. Conclusions This study provides a comprehensive overview of GC epidemiology in Georgia between 2015 and 2022. GC remains a significant public health challenge, characterized by the high proportion of late-stage diagnoses and high mortality rates. The implementation of prevention and early diagnosis strategies is crucial to reduce the burden of GC in the country.

[Estimation of cancer incidence in Brazil and its regions in 2018: methodological aspects]

The aim of this study was to develop a methodology for estimating cancer incidence in Brazil and its regions. Using data from population-based cancer registries (RCBP, acronym in Portuguese) and the Brazilian Mortality Information System (SIM, acronym in Portuguese), annual incidence/mortality (I/M) ratios were calculated by type of cancer, age group and sex in each RCBP. Poisson longitudinal multilevel models were applied to estimate the I/M ratios by region in 2018. The estimate of new cancer cases in 2018 was calculated by applying the estimated I/M ratios to the number of SIM-corrected deaths that occurred that year. North and Northeast concentrated the lowest I/M ratios. Pancreatic, lung, liver and esophageal cancers had the lowest I/M ratios, whereas the highest were estimated for thyroid, testicular, prostate and female breast cancers. For 2018, 506,462 new cancer cases were estimated in Brazil. Female breast and prostate were the two main types of cancer in all regions. In the North and Northeast, cervical and stomach cancers stood out. Differences in the I/M ratios between regions were observed and may be related to socioeconomic development and access to health services.

Global burden of 34 cancers among women in 2020 and projections to 2040: Population-based data from 185 countries/territories

Globally women face inequality in cancer outcomes; for example, smaller improvements in life expectancy due to decreased cancer-related deaths than men (0.5 vs 0.8 years, 1981-2010). However, comprehensive global evidence on the burden of cancer among women (including by reproductive age spectrum) as well as disparities by region, remains limited. This study aimed to address these evidence gaps by considering 34 cancer types in 2020 and their projections for 2040. The cancer burden among women in 2020 was estimated using population-based data from 185 countries/territories sourced from GLOBOCAN. Mortality to Incidence Ratios (MIR), a proxy for survival, were estimated by dividing the age-standardised mortality rates by the age-standardised incidence rates. Demographic projections were performed to 2040. In 2020, there were an estimated 9.3 million cancer cases and 4.4 million cancer deaths globally. Projections showed an increase to 13.3 million (↑44%) and 7.1 million (↑60%) in 2040, respectively, with larger proportional increases in low- and middle-income countries. MIR among women was higher (poorer survival) in rare cancers and with increasing age. Countries with low Human Development Indexes (HDIs) had higher MIRs (69%) than countries with very high HDIs (30%). There was inequality in cancer incidence and mortality worldwide among women in 2020, which will further widen by 2040. Implementing cancer prevention efforts and providing basic cancer treatments by expanding universal health coverage through a human rights approach, expanding early screening opportunities and strengthening medical infrastructure are key to improving and ensuring equity in cancer control and outcomes.

Analyzing Global Cancer Control: Progress of National Cancer Control Programs through Composite Indicators and Regression Modeling

Aim

Cancer is a significant public health concern, and National Cancer Control Programs (NCCPs) are crucial for reducing its burden. However, assessing the progress of NCCPs is challenging due to the complexity of cancer control outcomes and the various factors that influence them. Composite indicators can provide a comprehensive and accurate assessment of NCCP progress.

Materials and Methods

The dataset was compiled for 144 countries and comprised eight composite indices and two high-level comparative indicators (mortality-to-cancer incidence ratio [MIR] and 5-year cancer prevalence-to-incidence ratio [PCIR]) representing NCCP outcomes. Two large databases and six annual composite index reports were consulted. Linear regression analysis and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to establish a relationship between indicators and NCCP outcomes. A multiple regression machine learning model was generated to further improve the accuracy of NCCP outcome prediction.

Results

High-income countries had the highest cancer incidence, whereas low-income countries had the highest MIR. Linear regression analysis indicated a negative trend between all composite indicators and MIR, whereas a positive trend was observed with PCIR. The Human Development Index and the Legatum Prosperity Index had the highest adjusted R 2 values for MIR (0.74 and 0.73) and PCIR (0.86 and 0.81), respectively. Multiple linear regression modeling was performed, and the results indicated a low mean squared error score (-0.02) and a high R 2 score (0.86), suggesting that the model accurately predicts NCCP outcomes.

Conclusions

Overall, composite indicators can be an effective tool for evaluating NCCP, and the results of this study can aid in the development and keeping track of NCCP progress for better cancer control.

Global, Regional, and National Burden of Gastric Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults, 1990-2019: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

INTRODUCTION

Gastric cancer is a significant global health concern, ranking as the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. While improvements in health awareness and medical technology have contributed to a decline in the incidence of gastric cancer in many countries, the rate of gastric cancer in adolescents and young adults (GCAYA) has shown an upward trend. Timely and effective strategies for screening, detection, and treatment are crucial for managing the burden of GCAYA and optimizing the allocation of medical resources. To this end, our study aimed to examine the distribution of the burden of GCAYA across different factors at the global, regional, and national levels between 1990 and 2019. By identifying and analyzing these factors, we can better inform efforts to combat this growing health challenge.

METHODS

This study used data from the Global Burden of Disease database to analyze the global, regional, and national incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) GCAYA from 1990 to 2019. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate, and age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) of GCAYA were summarized and presented in a visually intuitive manner at the global, regional, and national levels. In addition, we calculated the estimated annual percentage change for each indicator of GCAYA globally, regionally, and nationally and visually displayed the results. Furthermore, we conducted an age-based analysis of adolescents and young adults with gastric cancer, comparing the age composition of deaths and the age burden of patients between 1990 and 2019. For the sake of brevity, we will use the abbreviation GCAYA to refer to gastric cancer among adolescents and young adults throughout the remainder of this article.

RESULTS

From 1990 to 2019, the incidence of GCAYA has slightly increased globally. The number of newly diagnosed cases rose from 47,932 (95% uncertainty interval 44,592.9-51,005.7) in 1990 to 49,007 (45,007.7-53,078.1) in 2019, while the number of deaths decreased from 35,270 (32,579-37,678.5) to 27,895 (25,710.9-30,240.4). The global ASIR showed a declining trend, decreasing from 22.4 (95% uncertainty interval 21.2-23.6) per 100,000 in 1990 to 15.6 (14.1-17.2) per 100,000 in 2019. The age-standardized mortality rate also showed a declining trend, decreasing from 20.5 (19.2-21.6) per 100,000 in 1990 to 11.9 (10.8-12.8) per 100,000 in 2019. The ASDR also showed a declining trend, decreasing from 493.4 (463.7-523.7) per 100,000 in 1990 to 268.4 (245.5-290.6) per 100,000 in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, the incidence, mortality, and DALY of gastric cancer among male adolescents and young adults were higher than those of female adolescents and young adults. In 2019, the number of male adolescents and young adults with gastric cancer was 2.1 times higher than that of female individuals (368.9 [328.2-410.3] vs 178.2 [160.5-196.9]), the number of deaths was 1.1 times higher (14,971.6 [13,643.3-16,520.5] vs 12,923.6 [11,550.3-14,339]), and the DALY were 1.1 times higher (841,920.5 [766,655.5-927,598.8] vs 731,976.3 [653,421-814,242.8]). The incidence and DALY of GCAYA were higher in regions with high-middle and middle sociodemographic index countries. The age-standardized mortality rate of GCAYA in 198 countries and territories showed a decreasing trend, with the Republic of Korea showing the greatest decrease from 1,360.5 (1,300.3-51,416.5) per 100,000 in 1990 to 298.7 (270.1-328.4) per 100,000 in 2019, with an estimated annual percentage change of -5.14 (95% confidence interval -7.23 to -2.99). The incidence and DALY of GCAYA increased with age, with the highest proportion of patients being in the 35-39 years age group. In both 1990 and 2019, the age of death from GCAYA was mainly concentrated in the 35-39 years age group, accounting for approximately half of the total population.

DISCUSSION

In the past 30 years, although the total number of new cases of GCAYA has increased with population growth, the ASIR and overall disease burden have shown a decreasing trend. This indicates progress in screening, diagnosis, treatment, education, and awareness efforts. However, the distribution of this disease remains uneven in terms of sex, age, development level, region, and country. To address these challenges, global health authorities should take appropriate measures such as optimizing screening programs, strengthening awareness and screening efforts for male individuals, enhancing prevention and control among the 35-39 years age group, improving infrastructure and health care resources in developing countries, promoting international cooperation, and implementing tailored measures.

Mortality-to-incidence ratio of early-onset colorectal cancer in high-income Asian and Middle Eastern countries: A systemic analysis of the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019

BACKGROUND

The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) has been consistently rising leading to a significant cancer burden among younger adults in Asian and Middle Eastern high-income countries. The study aims to investigate the survival outcomes of EO-CRC among high-income Asian and Middle Eastern populations from 1990 to 2019 using the mortality-to-incidence ratio, with a focus on examining the differences in gender.

METHODS

This is a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study. We include individuals aged 15 to 49 years old in high-income Asian and the Middle Eastern countries. The colorectal cancer mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) was calculated for both genders by dividing the age-specific mortality rate per 100,000 for colorectal cancer by the age-specific incidence rate per 100,000 for each nation in the sample for a given year.

RESULTS

An overall decline in male and female MIR was observed from 1990 to 2019 in Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Ten out of thirteen Asian and Middle Eastern countries had a higher female MIR compared to their male counterparts. The global male MIR was found to be significantly higher than that of female (p-value 0.008, coefficient estimate: 1.51). In Middle Eastern countries, Saudi Arabia had a significantly higher female MIR compared to their male counterparts (p < 0.0001, coefficient estimate: 12.65).

CONCLUSION

This research addresses the knowledge gap concerning gender-based differences in EO-CRC survival outcomes in high-income Asian and Middle Eastern countries, providing insights into the factors influencing these disparities in these regions. Policymakers should focus on developing targeted prevention and treatment programs for women, and addressing cultural and social barriers that may prevent women from seeking timely medical care.

Unfavorable cancer mortality-to-incidence ratios in patients with schizophrenia: A nationwide cohort study in Taiwan, 2000-2019

OBJECTIVES

Studies on cancer incidence and mortality in patients with schizophrenia have reported inconsistent findings. In this study, we simultaneously investigated cancer incidence and mortality in patients with schizophrenia and evaluated the cancer mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR), which is rare in the literature.

METHODS

From the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database, we collected the data of 107,489 patients who received a diagnosis of schizophrenia between 2000 and 2019. Data regarding cancer incidence and mortality were obtained from the Taiwan Cancer Registry and National Mortality Database, respectively. In total, 3881 incident cancer cases and 2288 cancer mortality cases were identified. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs), mortality rate ratios (MRRs), and MIRs were compared between patients with schizophrenia and the general population.

RESULTS

The overall rate of cancer incidence was slightly lower (SIR: 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92-0.98; p < 0.001) and that of cancer mortality was higher (MRR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.23-1.3; p < 0.001) in patients with schizophrenia than in the general population. The MIR for overall cancer was significantly higher in the patients with schizophrenia. The relative MIR (MIR of patients with schizophrenia divided by that of the general population) was 1.36 (95% CI: 1.30-1.42).

CONCLUSION

The MIR was significantly higher in the patients with schizophrenia than in the general population, indicating the possible presence of healthcare disparities. Additional studies are required to investigate the potential association between the significantly higher MIR in patients with schizophrenia and healthcare disparities.

Unmet needs in countries participating in the undiagnosed diseases network international: an international survey considering national health care and economic indicators

Background

Patients, families, the healthcare system, and society as a whole are all significantly impacted by rare diseases (RDs). According to various classifications, there are currently up to 9,000 different rare diseases that have been recognized, and new diseases are discovered every month. Although very few people are affected by each uncommon disease individually, millions of people are thought to be impacted globally when all these conditions are considered. Therefore, RDs represent an important public health concern. Although crucial for clinical care, early and correct diagnosis is still difficult to achieve in many nations, especially those with low and middle incomes. Consequently, a sizeable amount of the overall burden of RD is attributable to undiagnosed RD (URD). Existing barriers and policy aspects impacting the care of patients with RD and URD remain to be investigated.

Methods

To identify unmet needs and opportunities for patients with URD, the Developing Nations Working Group of the Undiagnosed Diseases Network International (DNWG-UDNI) conducted a survey among its members, who were from 20 different nations. The survey used a mix of multiple choice and dedicated open questions covering a variety of topics. To explore reported needs and analyze them in relation to national healthcare economical aspects, publicly available data on (a) World Bank ranking; (b) Current health expenditure per capita; (c) GDP per capita; (d) Domestic general government health expenditure (% of GDP); and (e) Life expectancy at birth, total (years) were incorporated in our study.

Results

This study provides an in-depth evaluation of the unmet needs for 20 countries: low-income (3), middle-income (10), and high-income (7). When analyzing reported unmet needs, almost all countries (N = 19) indicated that major barriers still exist when attempting to improve the care of patients with UR and/or URD; most countries report unmet needs related to the availability of specialized care and dedicated facilities. However, while the countries ranked as low income by the World Bank showed the highest prevalence of referred unmet needs across the different domains, no specific trend appeared when comparing the high, upper, and low-middle income nations. No overt trend was observed when separating countries by current health expenditure per capita, GDP per capita, domestic general government health expenditure (% of GDP) and life expectancy at birth, total (years). Conversely, both the GDP and domestic general government health expenditure for each country impacted the presence of ongoing research.

Conclusion

We found that policy characteristics varied greatly with the type of health system and country. No overall pattern in terms of referral for unmet needs when separating countries by main economic or health indicators were observed. Our findings highlight the importance of identifying actionable points (e.g., implemented orphan drug acts or registries where not available) in order to improve the care and diagnosis of RDs and URDs on a global scale.

Patterns of better breast cancer care in countries with higher human development index and healthcare expenditure: Insights from GLOBOCAN 2020

Background

The huge burden of breast cancer (BC) necessitates the profound and accurate knowledge of the most recent cancer epidemiology and quality of care provided. We aimed to evaluate BC epidemiology and quality of care and examine the effects of socioeconomic development and healthcare expenditure on disparities in BC care.

Methods

The results from the GLOBOCAN 2020 study were utilized to extract data on female BC, including incidence and mortality numbers, crude rates, and age-standardized rates [age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs)]. The mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) was calculated for different locations and socioeconomic stratifications to examine disparities in BC care, with higher values reflecting poor quality of care and vice versa. In both descriptive and analytic approaches, the human development index (HDI) and the proportion of current healthcare expenditure (CHE) to gross domestic product (CHE/GDP%) were used to evaluate the values of MIR.

Results

Globally, 2,261,419 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 2,244,260-2,278,710) new cases of female BC were diagnosed in 2020, with a crude rate of 58.5/100,000 population, and caused 684,996 (675,493-694,633) deaths, with a crude rate of 17.7. The WHO region with the highest BC ASIR (69.7) was Europe, and the WHO region with the highest ASMR (19.1) was Africa. The very high HDI category had the highest BC ASIR (75.6), and low HDI areas had the highest ASMR (20.1). The overall calculated value of female BC MIR in 2020 was 0.30, with Africa having the highest value (0.48) and the low HDI category (0.53). A strong statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between the MIR and HDI values for countries/territories (Pearson's coefficient = -0.850, p-value < 0.001). A significant moderate inverse correlation was observed between the MIR and CHE/GDP values (Pearson's coefficient = -0.431, p-value < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study highlighted that MIR of BC was higher in less developed areas and less wealthy countries. MIR as an indicator of the quality of care showed that locations with higher healthcare expenditure had better BC care. More focused interventions in developing regions and in those with limited resources are needed to alleviate the burden of BC and resolve disparities in BC care.

Trend in Gastric Cancer Mortality in Kazakhstan

OBJECTIVE

The aim is to study the trends in gastric cancer (GC) mortality in Kazakhstan.

METHODS

Data on those who died from GC and on the annual population were obtained from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan. A retrospective study was carried out for the period 2009-2018 using descriptive and analytical methods of oncoepidemiology. The extensive, crude and age-specific mortality rates are determined according to the generally accepted methodology used in sanitary statistics.

RESULTS

GC mortality in Kazakhstan is considered to be decreasing. It was determined that during the studied period 19,672 died of this cancer. The mean of death was 67.8 with 95% CI of 67.6 to 68.0. The highest mortality rates per 100,000 in the entire population were found in the age groups 75-79 years (145.9±24.1), 80-84 years (161.0±11.0), and 85+ years (116.5±16.4). Trends in age-related mortality rates had a pronounced tendency to increase in 70-74 years (T=+4.3%, R2=0.1924) and to decrease in the age of up to 30 (T=-8.7%, R2=0.2426). The average annual standardized mortality rate was 13.2 per 100,000, and in trends   tended to decrease (T=-5.8%; R2=0.9763). In all regions, there is a decrease in mortality, except for the city of Astana. During categorization mortality rates were determined on the basis of standardized indicators: low - up to 12.9, average - from 12.9 to 15.1, high - above 15.1 per 100,000 for the entire population.

CONCLUSION

The mortality rates from GC tend to decrease, while the downward trends and the degree of their approximation are expressed in almost all regions. The study of regional mortality has theoretical and practical significance for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of early detection and treatment. Health authorities should take into account the results obtained when organizing antitumor measures.

Mortality-to-Incidence Ratio for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Is Associated with Health Expenditure

Geographic and gender-specific disparity can be observed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). While screening and more effective therapies, such as induction chemotherapy, could improve survival rates, they are costly. This study aims to explore the correlation between healthcare expenditure and the mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) in NPC. Data were obtained from the World Health Organization and the Global Cancer Observatory. The correlation was evaluated by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Most new cases and deaths occur in Asia, and more males are affected than females. Our study shows that countries with higher MIRs have lower levels of health expenditure regardless of the NPC's gender-specific incidence. Correspondingly, MIRs are all significantly negatively associated with current health expenditure (CHE) per capita and CHE as a percentage of gross domestic product (CHE/GDP) in both genders. CHE per capita and CHE/GDP have a significant impact on NPC outcomes. Moreover, economic status is a potential major factor in MIR differences between countries.

Introducing the Sanguis-Filum for Detection of Gastric Mucosal Lesions Prior to Endoscopy: A Study Protocol

Early diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC) is compromised by a lack of specific signs to enable identification of affected individuals. We designed the Sanguis-filum (S-filum) as a simple bedside tool that could be used to detect the presence of gastric mucosal lesions prior to endoscopy. We previously published evidence that at a sensitivity of 91%, the presence of free blood in the stomach was associated with mucosal lesions. The S-filum is made of an inert but absorbent string coiled up in a gelatin capsule (Capsuline, FL, USA), which can be swallowed and the string retrieved to test for free blood. Preliminary testing of the S-filum was successfully conducted on healthy volunteers. We now intend to test it on actual patients, comparing the results to oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) findings. This will enable us to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the S-filum at detecting GC and other mucosal lesions. The S-filum as a bedside tool has the potential to assist healthcare providers to identify individuals likely to have early gastric mucosal lesions and requiring OGD examination. The S-filum could, in the long run, facilitate population-wide screening for early GC prior to endoscopy.