Temporal Analysis of Brain Cancer Incidence and Mortality: Correlations With Socioeconomic Development (1993–2023)
Ygor Roberto Ramos Goncalves Soares1, Amanda Karla Rodrigues Oliveira Eulalio2, Saulo Nascimento Eulálio Filho3
1Deparment of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences of Paraiba - FCMPB, 2Deparment of Medicine, UNIFACISA, 3Deparment of Clinical Oncology, Federal University of Sao Paulo - UNIFESP
Objective:

To evaluate and compare the global incidence and mortality of Brain and Central Nerve System (CNS) cancer, from 1993 to 2023, based on Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) categories. 

Background:

Brain and CNS tumors constitute a significant global health challenge due to their aggressive nature. Although diagnostic and treatment advances in high-income nations are seen, marked disparities in access to specialized services, timely diagnosis, and clinical outcomes persist. Analyzing epidemiological trends along with socioeconomic development is essential for equitable public health strategies and initiatives to reduce these disparities.


Design/Methods:

This retrospective, ecological study analyzed mortality and incidence rate per 100,000 population for brain and CNS cancers from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2023). Data were stratified in low, middle, and high-middle SDI groups for all ages and both sexes. Linear regression was used to evaluate overall temporal trends.


Results:

In Low SDI countries, a clear trend of underdiagnosis was observed: incidence and mortality remained statistically unchanged over the years analyzed (p >0.05). Middle SDI countries showed the most significant increase. Incidence increased from 2.52 to 3.74 (+48.4%) and mortality from 1.86 to 2.75 (+47.8%) (p<0.001). High-middle SDI countries showed both incidence growth from 3.78 to 4.98 (+31.8%) and mortality from 2.72 to 3.48 (+27.9%) (p<0.001), with a noticeable increase after 2016.


Conclusions:
This study demonstrates that the global incidence and mortality of brain cancer are strongly associated with socioeconomic development, as assessed by Sociodemographic Index (SDI). Low-SDI regions showed stable rates, possibly due to underreporting and limited access to healthcare. Middle and High-middle SDI experienced significant increases, reflecting improvements in diagnosis methods, but treatment still requires improvements. Global policies focused on expanding access to early diagnosis and improving access to healthcare systems, particularly in less developed areas, are required to reduce disparities and enhance clinical outcomes.
10.1212/WNL.0000000000216924
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