Global Burden of Disease Study on the Changing Landscape of Hematologic Malignancies and the Growing Impact of Elevated Body Mass Index — Asia, 1990–2023

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? Hematologic malignancies constitute a growing health burden in Asia. Their long-term subregional patterns, future trajectories, and the contribution of high body mass index (BMI) have not been comprehensively evaluated within a unified framework. What is added by this report? From 1990 to 2023, leukemia mortality declined across Asia, whereas non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma incidence and mortality increased in most subregions with multiple myeloma showing the fastest growth through 2040. Mendelian randomization suggested a potential association between BMI and malignant lymphoma in East Asian populations. What are the implications for public health practice? Priorities include improving multiple myeloma detection and treatment access, strengthening care for aging populations, and integrating obesity prevention into cancer prevention programs.