Burden of Breast Cancer Attributable to a Diet High in Red Meat at Global, Regional, and National Levels - An Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Q: What data source and period does the study use to estimate the burden?

The analysis uses Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021 data to evaluate breast cancer burden attributable to high red meat diets from 1990 to 2021.

Q: How are trends in breast cancer burden measured over time?

Trends are assessed using estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) in age-standardized mortality (ASMR) and DALY rates (ASDR), along with a decomposition analysis to separate contributions from population growth, aging, and epidemiological changes.

Q: What does the study conclude about the burden despite declining ASMR and ASDR?

Although ASMR and ASDR declined, the absolute burden of breast cancer due to high red meat intake remains significant, particularly in aging and rapidly urbanizing populations, and the paper recommends policy and targeted screening actions.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Adam

Dietary factors represent a key risk for breast cancer, and this analysis evaluates the global burden attributable to diets high in red meat from 1990 to 2021. Using Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 estimates, the study quantifies deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) across global, regional, and national settings. Trends are characterized via EAPCs in age-standardized mortality and DALY rates, with decomposition for population growth, aging, and epidemiological shifts. Health inequalities are assessed through absolute and relative inequality metrics, and SDI–burden associations are tested with Spearman rank.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Introduction

ARCHIVES OF Arch Iran Med. May 2025;28(5):275-285 IRANIAN doi 10 .34172/aim.34079 [http://journalaim.com](http://journalaim.com MEDICINE)[ MEDICINE](http://journalaim.com MEDICINE) Original Article Burden of Breast Cancer Attributable to a Diet High in Red Meat at Global, Regional, and National Levels: An Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 Fang Zhou1\# ID , Jincheng Tang1\#, Renyi Yang1, Puhua Zeng2* ID , Jianxiong Cao3* ID Open Access 1 Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China 2 Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Oncology, Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China 3The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China Abstract Background: Dietary factors are a key risk for breast cancer. This study examines the global burden of breast cancer attributed toa high red meat diet from 1990 to 2021. Methods: Using Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021 data, deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were analyzed globally, regionally, and nationally. Trends were assessed through estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) in age-standardized mortality (ASMR) and DALY (ASDR) rates. A decomposition analysis quantified the contributions of population growth, aging, and epidemiological changes. The relationship between sociodemographic index (SDI) and burden was examined using Spearman rank test. Health inequalities were assessed using the Slope Index of Inequality for absolute inequality and the Concentration Index for relative inequality. Results: By 2021, breast cancer deaths and DALYs linked to high red meat intake had increased significantly compared to 1990, despite a decline in ASMR [EAPC: -0.77 (95% CI-0.82 to-0.72)] and ASDR [EAPC: -0.65 (95% CI-0.70 to-0.60)] . These trends were driven by population growth and aging, with regional variability in the pace of demographic transitions. North Africa and the Middle East experienced the largest rise in ASMR [EAPC: 2.03 (95% CI 1.79 to 2.26)], while Pacific Island nations had the highest ASMR and ASDR. High-SDI regions had the highest ASMR [1.14 per 100 000 (95% UI-0.01‒2.43)] and ASDR [33.07 per 100 000 (95% UI-0.02‒69.90)], with a positive SDI-burden correlation in low-and middle-SDI regions (P < 0.05), but a negative correlation in high-SDI regions (P < 0.05) . From 1990 to 2021, absolute inequality [35.79 (95% CI 29.13‒42.46) vs. 4.99 (95% CI-1.59-11.56)] and relative inequality [0.18 (95% CI 0.16‒0.21) vs. 0.02 (95% CI-0.01‒0.05)] decreased. Conclusion: Although ASMR and ASDR have declined, the absolute burden of breast cancer due to high red meat intake remains significant, particularly in aging and rapidly urbanizing populations. Policy interventions should include taxation on red meat, restrictions on processed meat, and public health campaigns promoting dietary modifications. Targeted screening programs in high-risk regions, especially for middle-aged and elderly populations, are critical for mitigating the future disease burden. Keywords: Breast cancer, Diet high in red meat, Disability-adjusted life years, Global Burden of Disease Study, Sociodemographic index Cite this article as: Zhou F, Tang J, Yang R, Zeng P, Cao J. Burden of breast cancer attributable to a diet high in red meat at global, regional, and national levels: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Arch Iran Med. 2025;28(5):275-285 . doi: 10.34172/aim.34079 Received: February 5, 2025, Revised: March 23, 2025, Accepted: April 8, 2025, ePublished: May 1, 2025 Introduction Breast cancer represents a major risk and challenge to women’s health worldwide. In 2022, it accounted for a notable proportion of newly diagnosed malignancies and cancer-related fatalities, ranking as the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality and the second most common cancer.1 Approximately 0.5% to 1% of bre

FAQs

What data source and period does the study use to estimate the burden?

The analysis uses Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021 data to evaluate breast cancer burden attributable to high red meat diets from 1990 to 2021.

How are trends in breast cancer burden measured over time?

Trends are assessed using estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) in age-standardized mortality (ASMR) and DALY rates (ASDR), along with a decomposition analysis to separate contributions from population growth, aging, and epidemiological changes.

What does the study conclude about the burden despite declining ASMR and ASDR?

Although ASMR and ASDR declined, the absolute burden of breast cancer due to high red meat intake remains significant, particularly in aging and rapidly urbanizing populations, and the paper recommends policy and targeted screening actions.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Adam