Global, regional, and national burden of colorectal cancer among women of childbearing age from 1990 to 2021: a systematic analysis based on the global burden of disease study 2021.

PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer treatment measures can lead to reduced fertility and premature ovarian failure in women of childbearing age (WCBA), resulting in a major global burden. This study aimed to assess the global, regional and national burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) in WCBA and to provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive information available on WCBA CRC. METHODS: Four main indicators, including prevalence, incidence, mortality, and DALYs, related to CRC in WCBA were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database from 1990 to 2021. The Joinpoint regression was used to analyse the temporal trend. The slope index and concentration index were employed to evaluate cross-country inequality, and Frontier analysis was conducted to assess efficiency. RESULTS: In 2021, the global prevalence, incidence, deaths and DALYs cases of CRC among WCBA were 2 times, 1.7 times, 1.2 times, and 1.2 times, respectively, compared to 1990. Over the past 32 years, age-standardised prevalence rate (ASPR) has increased globally, while age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardised DALYs rate (ASDR) have shown a declining trend. Decomposition analysis indicated that population growth and ageing are the primary factors contributing to the rising burden. Furthermore, the concentration index and the analysis by the Social Development Index revealed that more developed regions experienced a higher burden. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the burden of CRC among WCBA has significantly increased globally over the past 32 years, particularly within higher SDI regions and the 45-49 age group. Considering the rising trend, close cooperation between countries and rational screening procedures are essential to address the problems posed by CRC.