Global burden of breast cancer attributable to alcohol consumption: a multi-regional observational analysis (1990-2021).

Background: Breast cancer is a leading malignancy among women worldwide, with alcohol consumption being a significant modifiable risk factor. However, the burden of breast cancer attributable to alcohol consumption across different regions has not been fully assessed.

Aims: This study aims to quantify the global burden of breast cancer due to alcohol consumption from 1990 to 2021 across various regions, and analyze the evolving trends to inform effective intervention strategies.

Methods: The study utilized Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data to assess breast cancer mortality and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) across different genders, age groups, and regions from 1990 to 2021. The analysis focused on the impact of alcohol use on breast cancer burden, with particular attention to regions with varying Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) levels, using Age-Standardized Mortality Rates (ASMR) and DALYs.

Results: From 1990 to 2021, global deaths from alcohol-attributable breast cancer increased from 14,980 to 18,760, while the ASMR decreased from 0.38 to 0.22 per 100,000. High-SDI regions experienced a significant decline in mortality (annual decrease of 1.62 %), whereas low-SDI regions saw an increase. Women over 50 years old had the highest disease burden, particularly in Australasia, Western Europe, and Southern Latin America. Although the burden is lower in men, their mortality showed an upward trend.

Conclusions: The study highlights that while the burden of alcohol-attributable breast cancer has decreased in high-SDI regions, it continues to rise in low-SDI regions. Targeted public health interventions and strategies, are needed to reduce alcohol consumption and the associated breast cancer burden.