Early Onset Pancreatic Cancer Burden Increasing Worldwide, Especially in Asia and Eastern Europe

Early-onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC) in younger populations is characterized by poor differentiation and is increasing globally. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, there were 36,852 new cases and 32,004 deaths from EOPC in 2019. East Asia had the highest number of cases, while Central and Eastern Europe had notably high burden. Incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years for EOPC showed an increasing pattern globally. Known risk factors such as tobacco smoking, high body-mass index, and high fasting plasma glucose contributed to the burden. Additional preventive efforts are needed, particularly in high-risk populations.