High Fasting Plasma Glucose-Attributable Colorectal Cancer Burden in Western Pacific’s Elderly (1990-2021): Temporal Trends, Socioeconomic Determinants, and Health Workforce Correlations

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health problem. In the Western Pacific Region, its incidence is rising, especially among the elderly. Metabolic risk factors like high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) contribute to CRC burden, yet no study has explored this in the western pacific region's elderly. Also, the relationship between CRC and human resources for health (HRH) in this region is unknown. Methods: Analyzed CRC burden due to high FPG in 31 western pacific region countries by Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, including trends, age-specific trends, SDI correlations, decomposition analysis, and HRH-burden relationship. Results: In 2021, China had the highest CRC burden related to high FPG, Tokelau the lowest. From 1990-2021, the burden increased significantly in most countries. In most countries, the burden of disease is highest in people aged 60-69 years, with the most rapid increase in those aged 95 years and older. The correlation with SDI weakened over time. Population growth was the main driver of burden increase. Overall HRH density showed a positive correlation with CRC burden, with the greatest associations found in “Aides & Emergency Medical Workers” and “Nursing & Midwifery Professionals.” Conclusions: The CRC burden due to high FPG in the western pacific region's elderly has increased. Factors like population growth, epidemiological changes, and aging play roles. The complex relationships with SDI and HRH offer insights for public health policies. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated public health strategies targeting metabolic risk factor control in the elderly, alongside critical evaluation and optimization of health workforce deployment and roles to effectively address the rising CRC burden in the region.