Global burden of gynaecological cancers in 2022 and projections to 2050

Abstract

Background: The incidence and mortality of gynaecological cancers can significantly impact women's quality of life and increase the health care burden for organisations globally. The objective of this study was to evaluate global inequalities in the incidence and mortality of gynaecological cancers in 2022, based on The Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022 estimates. The future burden of gynaecological cancers (GCs) in 2050 was also projected.

Methods: Data regarding to the total cases and deaths related to gynaecological cancer, as well as cases and deaths pertaining to different subtypes of GCs, gathered from the GLOBOCAN database for the year 2022. Predictions for the number of cases and deaths in the year 2050 were derived from global demographic projections, categorised by world region and Human Development Index (HDI).

Results: In 2022, there were 1 473 427 new cases of GCs and 680 372 deaths. The incidence of gynecological cancer reached 30.3 per 100 000, and the mortality rate hit 13.2 per 100 000. The age-standardised incidence of GCs in Eastern Africa is higher than 50 per 100 000, whereas the age-standardised incidence in Northern Africa is 17.1 per 100 000. The highest mortality rates were found in East Africa (ASMR (age-standardised mortality rates) of 35.3 per 100 000) and the lowest in Australia and New Zealand (ASMR of 8.1 per 100 000). These are related to the endemic areas of HIV and HPV. Very High HDI countries had the highest incidence of GCs, with ASIR (age-standardised incidence rates) of 34.8 per 100 000, and low HDI countries had the second highest incidence rate, with an ASIR of 33.0 per 100 000. Eswatini had the highest incidence and mortality (105.4 per 100 000; 71.1 per 100 000) and Yemen the lowest (5.8 per 100 000; 4.4 per 100 000). If the current trends in morbidity and mortality are maintained, number of new cases and deaths from female reproductive tract tumours is projected to increase over the next two decades.

Conclusions: In 2022, gynaecological cancers accounted for 1 473 427 new cases and 680 372 deaths globally, with significant regional disparities in incidence and mortality rates. The highest rates were observed in Eastern Africa and countries with very high and low HDI, with Eswatini recording the most severe statistics. If current trends continue, the number of new cases and deaths from gynaecological cancers is expected to rise over the next two decades, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions.

Figure 1

Incidence and mortality of various gynaecological cancers (GCs) and Their Proportions in 2022. Panel A. The incidence and mortality rates of different types of GCs in 2022, illustrating the overall burden of each cancer type on the population. Panel B and Panel C. The proportion of each type of gynaecological cancer cases, deaths relative to the total number of GC cases in age groups 0 to over 85 years. These charts provide a visual breakdown of the distribution of various GCs, highlighting the most prevalent forms and their impact on public health.

Figure 2

Country-wise age-standardised rates (ASRs) of gynaecological cancer incidence and mortality in 2022. Panel A and Panel B depict the incidence and mortality rates, respectively, for gynaecological cancers among children across different countries, expressed per 100 000 people. The data highlights significant geographical variations, with certain regions showing markedly higher rates. Understanding these patterns is crucial for tailoring public health interventions to reduce the burden of GCs globally.

Figure 3

Age-standardised incidence and mortality rates of gynaecological cancers (GCs) in female individuals by world region. Panel A and Panel B. The top section illustrates the age-standardised incidence rates, while the bottom section presents the mortality rates of GCs among female individuals across different world regions. Diamonds represent incidence (sky blue) and mortality (purple) rates within these regions. Blue vertical bars indicate the incidence rates, and purple vertical bars represent the mortality rates. This figure highlights regional disparities in GC burden, emphasising areas with particularly high incidence and mortality.

Figure 4

Proportion of different types of gynaecological cancers (GCs) in new Cases and deaths. Panel A. The proportion of cervical cancer, corpus uteri cancer, ovarian cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer among the total number of new GC cases in 2022. Panel B. Proportion of these cancer types in the total number of GC-related deaths. These visual representations highlight the relative prevalence and lethality of each type of gynaecological cancer, providing insight into which cancers contribute most significantly to the overall burden of GCs.

Figure 5

Proportions of various GCs in new cases and deaths in the eight countries with the highest burden. Panel A. The proportions of cervical cancer, corpus uteri cancer, ovarian cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer among the total number of new GC cases in 2022 for the eight countries with the highest incidence of GCs. Panel B. The proportions of these cancer types in the total number of GC-related deaths in the same countries. These visualisations highlight the distribution and impact of different GCs in regions with the highest burden, offering insights into the prevalence and lethality of each cancer type. Understanding these patterns is crucial for directing resources, improving diagnostic and treatment approaches, and formulating public health strategies to combat the most significant contributors to the GC burden in these high-incidence regions.

Figure 6

Results of linear correlation analysis between incidence and mortality of each gynaecological cancer and human development index (HDI). Panel A. Scatter plot illustrating the linear correlation between the incidence rates of various gynaecological cancers (cervical, corpus uteri, ovarian, vaginal, and vulvar) and the HDI across different countries. Each data point represents a country, showing how HDI is associated with the incidence of these cancers. Panel B. Scatter plot depicting the linear correlation between mortality rates of the same GCs and HDI. This analysis provides insights into how socioeconomic factors, as reflected by HDI, influence both the occurrence and lethality of GCs. The findings can help identify patterns and disparities in cancer burden relative to development levels, highlighting areas where public health interventions and resource allocations could be most effective in reducing the incidence and mortality of GCs globally.

Figure 8

Incidence and mortality rates of gynaecological cancer (GCs) by age-standardized rates (ASR) across different age groups. Panel A. The incidence rates of GCs, represented as age-standardised rates (ASR), across various age groups. This chart highlights the distribution of new GC cases among different age brackets, providing insight into which age groups are most affected by these cancers. Panel B. Mortality rates associated with GCs, also represented as ASR, across the same age groups. This chart shows the distribution of GC-related deaths among different age brackets, indicating which age groups have the highest mortality risk from these cancers. This information aids for tailoring public health interventions, screening programmes, and treatment strategies to the most affected age groups. Inc – incidence, mor – mortality

Figure 7

Trends in age-related changes in the Incidence and mortality of gynaecological cancer (GCs) and their various types. Panel A and Panel C. Line graphs showing the age-related trends in the incidence rates of GCs and their specific types (cervical, corpus uteri, ovarian, vaginal, and vulvar cancers) across different age groups. Panel B and Panel D. Line graphs illustrating the age-related trends in mortality rates for the same set of GCs. These graphs reveal how the incidence and mortality of each cancer type vary with age, providing a comprehensive view of the age-specific burden of GCs. This detailed analysis highlights which age groups are most affected by each type of GC, offering critical insights for age-targeted prevention, screening, and treatment strategies.

Figure 9

Projected new cases and deaths of different categories of gynaecological cancers in 2050. Panels A, C, E, G, I, and K. The forecasted number of new cases for various categories of gynaecological cancers in 2050. These categories include cervical cancer, corpus uteri cancer, ovarian cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. Each chart provides a detailed breakdown, highlighting the expected incidence rates and the distribution of new cases among these cancer types. Panels B, D, F, H, J, and L. The projected number of deaths related to the same categories of gynecological cancers in 2050. These charts offer a comprehensive overview of mortality rates, emphasising the predicted death toll and the relative contribution of each cancer type to the overall mortality burden.

Figure 10

Projections of incidence and mortality rates of each gynaecological cancer (GC) in 2050. the projected incidence and mortality rates for various types of gynaecological cancers by 2050. The data highlights the anticipated significant increase in the burden of these cancers over the next three decades. The significant expected rise in both incidence and mortality rates underscores the need for enhanced research efforts, improved screening programmes, and innovative therapeutic approaches to mitigate the impact of gynaecological cancers on global health.