Global burden of male breast cancer: systematic analysis from the global burden of disease study, 1990-2021

Male breast cancer (MaBC) is a rare malignancy that has been under-investigated. Researchers from Chongqing Medical University evaluated the burden of MaBC across 204 countries and territories. MaBC data were collected from the 2021 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (1990-2021). In 2021, there were 38,827 (95% uncertainty interval 24,650 -47,846) new cases, 320,459 (220,533-348,317) prevalent cases, 13,274 (9074-16,240) deaths, and 380,917 (252,922-476,417) DALYs attributed to MaBC worldwide, with the highest disease burden observed in Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa (A: incidence, B: prevalence; C: deaths, D: DALYs). From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of MaBC significantly increased, but they are projected to decrease over the next 30 years. Unhealthful dietary habits and alcohol use were identified as important risk factors for MaBC and DALYs globally. The authors conclude that the global burden of MaBC significantly increased from 1990 to 2021.