Global, regional, and national burden of ovarian cancer from 1990 to 2021

Ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies globally, with significant variations in incidence, prevalence, and outcomes across regions and population subgroups. This study systematically evaluates the global, regional, and national burden of ovarian cancer from 1990 to 2021, utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 framework. Trends in incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years were analyzed, with an emphasis on their associations with the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) and other key risk factors. The analysis highlights substantial disparities in ovarian cancer burden, with low- and middle-SDI regions experiencing the highest mortality-to-incidence ratios. In 2021, ovarian cancer accounted for approximately 298,876 new cases globally, with age-standardized incidence rates declining in high-SDI regions but increasing in low-SDI regions. Mortality trends mirrored this pattern, with significant disparities between high- and low-resource settings. The findings underscore the critical influence of age, genetics, and access to early detection and treatment. Forecasts using an ARIMA model indicate a continued rise in the global burden, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources. This study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve ovarian cancer outcomes, including enhanced screening, equitable access to treatment, and strategies addressing modifiable risk factors, particularly in underserved regions.