Fact 8. The Global Prevalence of Paget’s Disease
Paget’s disease of bone is a global health concern, with cases reported from various parts of the world. However, the prevalence of the disease varies considerably across different regions and ethnic groups.
Historically, Paget’s disease has been most prevalent in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Scotland. Here, the disease affects up to 5% of adults over the age of 55. Other countries with a high prevalence of Paget’s disease include Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Western Europe, such as France and Germany.
In contrast, the disease is less common in Scandinavian countries and relatively rare in Asia and Africa. For instance, the disease is almost unheard of in Japan, China, and Korea. The reasons for these geographic and ethnic variations are not entirely clear but are thought to reflect a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Interestingly, recent decades have seen a decline in the prevalence of Paget’s disease in some of the traditionally high-prevalence areas. For example, several studies have reported a decrease in the number of new cases in the UK and other parts of Europe. The reasons for this decrease are not fully understood, but it’s thought that changes in environmental factors or a decrease in the prevalence of triggering factors may play a role. (8)
