Abstract
Introduction: Alcohol consumption is a well-established risk factor for pharyngeal cancer, yet its impact varies across populations depending on gender and socioeconomic context. Understanding these disparities is essential for guiding prevention strategies and public health policies.
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the global burden of alcohol-attributable pharyngeal cancer in 2020 by analyzing age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) and population attributable fractions (PAFs), stratified by gender and human development index (HDI) categories, to identify patterns of inequality and highlight areas where targeted interventions may be most needed.
Materials and Methods: This ecological study analyzed population-level data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) on pharyngeal cancer cases attributable to alcohol consumption in 2020, stratified by gender and HDI categories. The ASR and PAF were extracted to quantify incidence and risk, with PAF calculated from exposure prevalence and relative risk. Descriptive statistics summarized values and uncertainty limits, focusing on gender disparities and socioeconomic gradients, while ecological comparisons highlighted relative differences without inferential testing.
Results: The results indicated that alcohol-related pharyngeal cancer new cases in 2020 revealed a clear gender disparity, with men consistently carrying a heavier burden than women across all socioeconomic contexts. The disparity was most evident in highly developed regions, though it persisted globally and even in lower development settings where overall rates declined.
Conclusion: Alcohol-related pharyngeal cancer shows a pronounced gender imbalance, with men bearing consistently higher incidence across all socioeconomic levels, underscoring the need for male-focused, gender-sensitive prevention and public health strategies.