S107 The Burden of Gallbladder Cancer in Africa: An Analysis From Global Cancer Observatory 2022 Database

Introduction: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare malignancy with asymptomatic presentation until advanced stages, contributing to poor prognosis and high mortality. Its incidence varies geographically and demographically. While Africa has historically reported low incidence, emerging data projections suggest a dramatic increase in disease burden across the continent. Methods: The Global Cancer Observatory database, provided by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, was used to analyze GBC incidence and mortality trends. It offers standardized cancer metrics by age, gender, and region. Incidence, mortality, and projected trends were reported using the age-standardized rate to adjust for population age differences. Predictive modeling and demographic data estimated GBC trends through 2050. The focus was on Africa, with comparative analysis across other regions. Results: In 2022, GBC incidence per 100,000 population in Africa (AF) was 0.69 compared to Asia (AS) (1.4), Europe (EU) (0.64), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) (1.2), North America (NA) (0.65), and Oceania (OC) (0.69). Mortality in Africa was 1.1, compared to NA (0.28), EU (0.40), OC (0.42), LAC (0.80), and AS (1.1). By 2050, incidence in AF is projected to rise by 159.9%, more in men (166.0%) than women (157.0%). Mortality is expected to rise by 163.0%, with 168.9% in men and 160.0% in women. Compared to other continents, AF is projected to experience the highest rise in both incidence and mortality. Projected increases in incidence: AF (159.9%), OC (88.6%), NA (49.9%), LAC (100.8%), AS (97.5%), and EU (34.1%). Projected increases in mortality: AF (163.0%), OC (89.8%), NA (61.1%), LAC (105.1%), AS (102.7%), and EU (36.8%). Among AF countries, Algeria and Egypt reported the highest GBC cases and mortality in 2022 (cases: 1193 and 787; deaths: 785 and 578), projected to rise to 2916 and 1851 cases and 2030 and 1361 deaths, respectively, by 2050. Conclusion: The historically low GBC incidence in AF may cause under recognition of the disease. However, AF’s projected rise in cases calls for early diagnosis, timely intervention, and healthcare preparedness. In Northern Africa, where obesity prevalence is high, incidence and mortality are expected to be highest. This may be driven by rising obesity, lifestyle shifts, and limited healthcare access. Findings highlight the urgent need for increased research and targeted public health strategies to address growing disparities.