The burden of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), 1990–2023: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains a major cancer burden in parts of Asia, particularly in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, the burden and trends within ASEAN have not been comprehensively explored. METHODS: We extracted data on incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of NPC in ASEAN from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2023. We summarized absolute counts, crude rates, and age-standardized rates, and quantified temporal trends using estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs). Analyses were stratified by sex, age group, and Sociodemographic Index (SDI). Associations between SDI and age-standardized rates were examined using Spearman correlation and smoothing spline models. RESULTS: In 2023, NPC in ASEAN accounted for 17,077 (95% UI: 12,742-22,109) incident cases, 65,845 (95% UI: 46,258-90,557) prevalent cases, 12,422 (95% UI: 9,657-15,413) deaths, and 435,087 (95% UI: 335,841-542,950) DALYs. Compared with 1990, the corresponding counts increased by 189%, 222%, 155%, and 141%, respectively. From 1990 to 2023, the age-standardized incidence and prevalence rate increased; whereas the age-standardized mortality rate declined slightly, and the age-standardized DALY rate remained stable. The burden was higher in males than in females and was concentrated in adults aged 45-59 years. Clear heterogeneity was observed across member states and SDI levels. CONCLUSIONS: NPC remains a major public health challenge in ASEAN. The overall burden continues to rise, with clear disparities between countries and higher impact among males and middle-aged adults. ASEAN countries should work together to reduce the regional burden of NPC.