Global burden and cross-country inequalities of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer in adults aged 45 years and older from 1990 to 2021: population-based study

Although the global burden of GBTC has declined in mortality and DALYs, incidence trends remain concerning, especially in high-SDI countries. Regional disparities persist and have widened over time, with high BMI and population aging as key drivers. While certain indicators suggest modest narrowing of inequalities, large gaps between SDI regions remain. Public health policies should focus on mitigating these disparities, particularly by addressing high BMI and strengthening interventions in low-SDI regions to further reduce the burden of GBTC.