Objective To understand the main epidemiological characteristics and disease burden trends of breast cancer among women in Weihai of Shandong Province, and provide a reference for the development of prevention and control measures for breast cancer.

Methods Utilizing the monitoring data of malignant tumorsand population data in Weihai from 2015 to 2022, the incidence rate, prevalence rate, mortality rate, years of life lost (YLL) rate, years lived with disability (YLD) rate, disability-adjusted life years (DALY) rate, and their respective adjusted rates of breast cancer were calculated. The Joinpoint Regression Program 4.9.1.0 software was used to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) in rates, and the main epidemiological characteristics and changes in disease burden were analyzed.

Results From 2015 to 2022, the crude incidence rate of breast cancer among women in Weihai fluctuated from 50.25 to 79.80 per 100 000, with an adjusted rate of 31.93 to 49.03 per 100 000. The crude prevalence rate fluctuated from 137.13 to 499.03 per 100 000, with an adjusted rate of 85.90 to 276.37 per 100 000. The crude mortality rate fluctuated from 8.40 to 12.21 per 100 000, with an adjusted rate of 5.45 to 7.52 per 100 000. The increases in the crude incidence rate, crude prevalence rate, and their respective adjusted rates were statistically significant (t = 8.205, t = 21.681, t = 5.705, t = 20.219, all P < 0.05). The overall incidence rate of breast cancer was highest in the 45 − 54 age group, with an increase in incidence with age, except for the 0 − 24 age group. The increases in incidence rates in the 45 − 54, 55 − 64, and 75 and above age groups were statistically significant (t = 7.133, t = 4.962, t = 4.248, all P < 0.05). The DALY rate for breast cancer among women in Weihai fluctuated from 1.76‰ to 2.30‰ during 2015 − 2022, with an adjusted rate of 1.29‰ to 1.65 ‰; the YLL rate fluctuated from 1.28‰ to 1.75‰, with an adjusted rate of 0.87‰ to 1.28‰; the YLD rate fluctuated from 0.44‰ to 0.67‰, with an adjusted rate of 0.31‰ to 0.46‰. Both the YLD rate and the adjusted rate was statistically significant (t = 6.876, t = 5.313, all P < 0.05). The DALY rate was highest in the 45 − 54 age group; the YLD rates of the 45 − 54 and 55 − 64 age groups, as well as the YLD rate and YLL rate of the 75 and above showed an increasing trend and were statistically significant differences (t = 7.283,t = 4.793, t = 4.072, t = 4.273, all P < 0.05).

Conclusion The annual crude incidence rates and YLD rates of breast cancer among women in Weihai showed an increasing trend, which was most due to non-demographic factors. The annual mortality and health burden remained generally stable. Advanced age women are facing the threat of both rising incidence and mortality of breast cancer and should be the focus of breast cancer screening program. According to environmental and behavior lifestyle risk factors of breast cancer, targeted public health education and health promotion should be conducted. The continuously increasing prevalence has increased the economic burden on patients, families, and society, which is the main reason for the increasing disease burden. Further research is needed to find effective ways to reduce economic expenditure related to medical activities.