Global, China–US burden of hematological malignancies: New data reveals trends and risks
A comprehensive analysis of GLOBOCAN 2022 and GBD 2021 data highlights epidemiology, risk factors, and future projections in hematological malignancies
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This chart illustrates the trends in ASIR and ASMR of major hematological malignancies, including HL, NHL, MM, and leukemia, across the world, China, and the United States from 1990 to 2021. Based on data from the GBD Study 2021, Panel (A) shows global NHL and MM incidence on the rise, while HL and leukemia rates are falling; China has seen increasing ASIR for NHL, MM, and leukemia, in contrast to declining trends for all four types in the US. Panel (B) presents mortality trends: globally, all subtypes except MM have lower ASMR, with both China and the US following the overall downward global trend.
view moreCredit: Prof. Xiao-Jun Huang from Peking University People’s Hospital, China Image source link: https://journals.lww.com/cmj/fulltext/9900/disease_burden_of_hematological_malignancies.1936.aspx
Hematological malignancies, encompassing Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), multiple myeloma (MM), and leukemia, represent a major global health challenge with substantial morbidity and mortality. A new study made available online on February 11, 2026, in the Chinese Medical Journal delivers a detailed epidemiological analysis of their disease burden worldwide, with a focused comparison between China and the United States (US), leveraging the latest data from GLOBOCAN 2022 and Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 to inform evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies.
Led by Ming-Hao Lin, Wei Sun, and corresponding authors Professor Xiao-Jun Huang and Professor Xiang-Yu Zhao from Peking University People’s Hospital, the research team analyzed incidence, mortality, long-term trends, modifiable risk factors, and future projections to fill the gap in targeted comparisons between China and the US. In 2022, there were 1.31 million new cases and 700,205 deaths from hematological malignancies globally, accounting for 6.56% of new cancer cases and 7.19% of cancer deaths worldwide. China reported 197,438 new cases and 110,367 deaths, while the US had 181,894 new cases and 58,283 deaths, reflecting China’s larger population base but distinct epidemiological patterns.
Notably, NHL was the most common type globally and in the US, with an age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 12.54 per 100,000 in the US, whereas leukemia led in incidence in China (ASIR: 4.54 per 100,000). The US had markedly higher ASIR (30.65 vs. 9.51 per 100,000) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR: 7.33 vs. 4.73 per 100,000) than China, a difference attributed to higher HDI levels, better screening access, and longer life expectancy in the US. Across regions, males and the elderly faced significantly elevated risks: over 70% of cases and deaths occurred in those over 50, with the 85+ age group seeing the highest incidence (123.47 per 100,000), while HL exhibited a unique bimodal age distribution with peaks in young adults (15–35 years) and the elderly (over 60 years).
Trend analysis from 1990 to 2021 uncovered divergent patterns: globally, NHL and MM incidence increased (estimated annual percentage change, EAPC: 0.31 and 0.48, respectively), while HL and leukemia rates declined (EAPC: -1.10 and -0.65, respectively). Mortality rates for most types fell except for MM, which saw a slight rise. In China, NHL, MM, and leukemia incidence continued to increase, which is linked to population aging, improved cancer registration, and better diagnosis, whereas the US experienced declining rates across all subtypes, reflecting successful prevention and treatment advancements.
Key modifiable risk factors identified included smoking, high body mass index (BMI), and occupational exposure to benzene or formaldehyde. Smoking was the top contributor to leukemia deaths globally (10.66%), particularly in males, while high BMI was a major risk factor for females and a significant contributor to NHL and MM burden regardless of sex. In China, male smoking prevalence (49.7% in 2019) was far higher than in the US (19.9%), highlighting an urgent need for strengthened tobacco control. Occupational exposure to benzene and formaldehyde also emerged as critical risk factors for leukemia, underscoring the importance of workplace safety regulations.
Projections indicate a worrying surge in burden: by 2050, global new cases are expected to reach 2.22 million (a 69.6% increase from 2022), with China and the US seeing 43.47% and 43.65% growth, respectively. Deaths are projected to rise by 84.62% globally, with low-HDI countries facing the steepest relative increases. “The study underscores the uneven global burden and identifies actionable risk factors,” said Prof. Zhao. “US experiences in tobacco control, early screening, and diagnostic standardization can inform China’s strategies to curb rising incidence, especially among the elderly and high-risk groups.”
Overall, the research provides a critical foundation for addressing the growing challenge of hematological malignancies worldwide through targeted public health interventions and international knowledge sharing.
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Reference
DOI: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000003969
About Xiao-Jun Huang and Xiang-Yu Zhao from Peking University People’s Hospital
Xiao-Jun Huang: Professor and Researcher, Doctoral Supervisor at Peking University People’s Hospital.
Xiang-Yu Zhao: Professor and Researcher, Doctoral Supervisor at Peking University People’s Hospital.
Funding information
This work was supported by Beijing Outstanding Young Scientists Project (No. JWZQ20240101001)and National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2022YFA1103300).
Journal
Chinese Medical Journal
Article Title
Disease burden of hematological malignancies worldwide, in China and in the United States based on the GLOBOCAN 2022 and Global Burden of Disease 2021 data
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