Global trends in disability adjusted life years (DALYs) and mortality rates in gastric cancer among elderly (70+ Years) from 1990-2021: A Global Burden of Disease study.

e16133 Background: Although the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer have decreased over the past decades due to the progress in diagnostic methods, treatment approaches and preventive measures, it still poses serious global health challenges particularly in the elderly population with significant disparities in the overall Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and mortality. This study evaluates gastric cancer related overall DALYs and mortality from 1990-2021 using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database. Methods: GBD data for 2021 were studied to evaluate overall DALYs and mortality rate per 100,000 population among 70 and above aged individuals. The Annual Average Percentage Change (AAPC) was calculated to assess trends from 1990 to 2021, and statistical significance assessed through p-values. Results: From 1990 to 2021, the overall DALYs rate for gastric cancer demonstrated a gradual decline. The DALYs rate per 100,000 decreased from 2656.08 in 1990 to 1511.71 in 2021. Similarly, the mortality rate declined from 166.11 per 100,000 in 1990 to 100.06 per 100,000 in 2021. The steepest declines in both DALYs and mortality rates occurred between 2004 and 2007, with annual percentage changes (APC) of -3.81% (95% CI: -4.023 to -3.531; p < 0.000001) and -3.41% (95% CI: -3.632 to -3.155; p = 0.0004), respectively. Across the entire study period (1990–2021), the average annual percentage change (AAPC) for DALYs was -1.80% (95% CI: -1.809 to -1.784; p < 0.000001), while for mortality rates, it was -1.63% (95% CI: -1.655 to -1.605; p < 0.000001). Conclusions: From 1990 to 2021, the burden of gastric cancer among individuals aged 70+ significantly declined, with a 43% reduction in DALYs and a 40% reduction in mortality rates. The sharpest declines occurred from 2004 to 2007. These trends highlight advancements in prevention and treatment but emphasize the need for continued efforts to address the burden in aging populations. YEARS DISABILITY-ADJUSTED LIFE YEARS (DALYS) PER 100,000 AAPC 1990-2021 MORTALITY RATE PER 100,000 AAPC 1990-2021 1990 2656.087 -1.8099 166.112 -1.6321 2000 2289.126 143.314 2010 1891.584 122.648 2021 1511.719 100.060