Disability‐Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) due to Breast, Cervical, Colorectal and Oral Cancers in Taiwan Regions
Journal
Cancer Medicine
Journal Volume
14
Journal Issue
1
ISSN
2045-7634
Date Issued
2025-01
Author(s)
DOI
10.1002/cam4.70592
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, with significant variations in incidence and mortality rates among different cancer types and regions. In Taiwan, breast cancer (BC), cervical cancer (CxCa), colorectal cancer (CRC), and oral cancer (OC) are prevalent and have prompted government‐led screening programs to mitigate their impact. This study aims to assess the burden of these cancers at the county scale using disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) as a metric, focusing on the years 2010, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Methods
Data on cancer incidence, mortality, disability weights, and treatment outcomes were sourced from the Taiwan HPA, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Taiwan Cancer Registry. Years of life lost (YLLs) and years lived with disability (YLDs) were calculated for each cancer, considering age, stage, and treatment. The correlation between cancer screening rates and disease burden also conducted.
Results
The analysis highlights significant trends in cancer mortality, incidence, and disease burden in Taiwan from 2010 to 2020. BC and CRC showed rising ASMR and DALYs rates, while CxCa experienced consistent declines. OC had a fluctuating pattern, particularly in eastern regions. YLLs contributed significantly to DALYs for all cancers, emphasizing premature mortality's role in the disease burden. Screening rates, particularly for BC and CxCa, correlated with changes in burden, with BC rates increasing and CxCa decreasing, reflecting the impact of preventive measures on cancer outcomes.
Conclusions
The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and evidence‐informed resource allocation to address regional differences in cancer burden in Taiwan.
Subjects
cancer burden
county scale analysis
disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)
Taiwan regions
Publisher
Wiley
Description
Article number: e70592
Type
journal article