Background: Primary liver cancer (PLC) is a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide, particularly among middle-aged and elderly populations. Given increasing life expectancy, understanding PLC burden in these groups is essential.
Methods: We obtained data about incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted-life-years (DALYs) from 2000 to 2021 for PLC aged 55 + from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021. Trends across sociodemographic index (SDI), etiology, age, and sex level were evaluated using age-standardized rates, estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), and percentage change. Bayesian-age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was applied to predict the global burden to 2050.
Results: Globally, the cases of PLC burden among middle-aged and elderly populations increased by 74% in incidence, 67% in deaths, and 59% in DALYs. Despite rising case counts, EAPC for incidence, deaths, and DALYs declined with -0.13, - 0.32, and -0.55. Trends varied by region and SDI level, with reductions in HBV- and HCV-related PLC but increases in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and alcohol use related PLC, particularly in high-SDI regions. Burden was highest and increasing among those aged 75 +, especially for NASH-related PLC. Globally, the male-to-female burden ratio was 2.19, though gender differences varied regionally. Finally, projection indicated that the incidence case will persistently rise from 2021-2050, while incidence rate will decrease first and then increase.
Conclusions: Our study analyzed the global epidemiology of PLC among middle-aged and elderly populations from etiology, age and gender, and conducted a prediction outlook for the next 30 years. These findings contribute to the development of efficient and targeted health strategies to mitigate PLC burden.
Keywords: GBD 2021; NASH; U-shaped trend; middle-aged and elderly populations; primary liver cancer.
Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.