Cancer incidence in Northern Uganda (2013–2016)

Gulu Cancer Registry was established in 2014 to assess the incidence and survival of cancer in 4 districts of the Acholi Sub-region of northern Uganda. Here we report the results of the first 4 years of registration (2013–2016) in this largely rural population of 771,514. In total there were 1627 cases of cancers registered; 644 among men (corresponding to an ASR of 106.7 per 100,000 population) and 983 cancer cases among women (ASR 118.5 per 100,000). The most common cancers were cancers of the cervix and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in females, and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Kaposi Sarcoma, prostate and liver cancers in men. Incidence rates of Burkitt lymphoma in children were high in comparison to elsewhere in Africa, whilst the incidence of breast cancer in women was rather low. The figures suggest a rather different pattern from that observed in the metropolitan population of Kampala, where there has been a cancer registry since 1951. This helps to provide a more complete picture of the national cancer profile, permitting more targeted interventions in prevention, early detection and treatment services.     

Three‐year cancer incidence in Blantyre,Malawi (2008–2010)

In this paper, we present incidence rates of different cancers calculated for the population of Blantyre, Malawi for the period 2008–2010, using data from the Malawi Cancer Registry. Active methods were used for case finding, with standard checks for accuracy and validity performed in CanReg 4. During this 3‐year period, a total of 3,711 cases were registered comprising 1,643 men (an estimated age‐standardized incidence rate (ASR) of 169.8 per 100,000) and 2,068 women (ASR 238.7 per 10⁵). Kaposi sarcoma (KS) was the most common cancer in men (40.5% of all cancers in men; ASR 54.0 per 10⁵) while cervical cancer was the commonest in women (33.3%; ASR 88.6 per 10⁵). The incidence rates for esophageal cancer remain one of the highest in the world (ASR 30.9 per 100,000 in men, 22.1 per 100,000 in women). Incidence of cancer of the prostate is relatively low in Blantyre (5.1%; ASR 16.4 per 10⁵), compared with elsewhere in Africa. In childhood, the cancer spectrum is dominated by Burkitt lymphoma (32.5% ASR 90.9 per 10⁶) followed by Wilms tumor (11.3%; ASR 35.9 per 10⁶) and pediatric KS (11.0%; ASR 31.1 per 10⁶). The overall percentage of cases with histological verification was 47.5%, a slight improvement from 42.4% in late 1990s also indicating successful case finding outside laboratories.     

Cancer incidence in Conakry,Guinea: first results from the cancer registry 1992–1995

We have registered 2,064 cases of cancer among the inhabitants of Conakry, Guinea, during 1992–1994, corresponding to age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) of 83.3 per 100,000 in men and 110.5 per 100,000 in women. As elsewhere in West Africa, the principal cancer of men was liver cancer (ASR 32.6), with modest rates of stomach (ASR 6.2) and prostate (ASR 8.1) cancers. In women, cervix cancer was the dominant malignancy (ASR 46.0), followed by liver cancer (ASR 12.5) and breast cancer (ASR 10.9). In contrast to contemporary East and Central Africa, Kaposi's sarcoma remained rare (only 4 cases). In the childhood age group, relatively high incidence rates were found for Hodgkin's disease, Burkitt's lymphoma and, especially, retinoblastoma. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Trends in cancer incidence in rural Eastern Cape Province; South Africa, 1998–2012

There are few cancer trend data reported in sub‐Saharan Africa notably due to the scarcity of population‐based cancer registries (PBCRs). The Eastern Cape Province PBCR is amongst the few registries in sub‐Saharan Africa that reports data for a rural population. Trends in cancer incidence are reported for the period 1998–2012. Registered cases, age‐standardized rates (ASRs) and standardized rate ratios are presented for the most common cancers in both males and females in three periods (1998–2002, 2003–2007 and 2008–2012). In males, the most commonly diagnosed cancer during the 15 year period was cancer of the oesophagus; incidence rates showed a significant decline over the 15 year period, entirely due to a 30% decrease between 2003–2007 and 2008–2012, to an ASR of 23.2 per 100,000 population. This was followed by prostate cancer, the incidence of which was more than doubled to a level of 9.9/100,000. In women, cancer of the cervix uteri has become the most common malignancy, with a significant increase in incidence during the period to 29.0/100,000. Oesophageal cancer is second in frequency, with (as in males) a significant decline in the final 10 years to an incidence of 14.5/100,000 in 2008–2012. The incidence of breast cancer increased by 61%, although the absolute rate remains low (12.2/100,000). The incidence rates of colorectal cancer are low, and the increases in incidence, although relatively large (35% in men, 63% in women) were not statistically significant. Kaposi sarcoma showed a dramatic increase in incidence in both sexes (3.5‐fold in men, 11‐fold in women) although the incidence remains relatively low by southern African standards. Cancer prevention and control activities in the area need to be informed by these data and strengthened.     

Cancer incidence in a rural population of South Africa, 1998–2002

Cancer incidence rates and patterns are reported for a rural population, living in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa for the period 1998–2002. The population‐based cancer registry has operated for 20 years, using both active and passive methods for case finding, through collaborations with 19 health facilities: 11 district hospitals, 7 referral hospitals and 1 regional laboratory. The age standardized incidence rates for all cancers were 73.1 per 100,000 in males and 64.1 per 100,000 in females. The leading top 5 cancers for males were oesophagus (32.7 per 100,000), lung (5.8 per 100,000), prostate (4.4 per 100,000), liver (4.4 per 100,000) and larynx (2.5 per 100,000) whereas for females they were cervix (21.7 per 100,000), oesophagus (20.2 per 100,000), breast (7.5 per 100,000), ovary (0.9 per 100,000) and liver (0.9 per 100,000). The incidence of Kaposi sarcoma was low, and higher for males (1.6 per 100,000) than females (0.3 per 100,000). Lung cancer in both males and females was relatively low compared to the high incidence of oesophagus cancer.     

Cancer Incidence in Kerman Province,Southeast of Iran: Report of an ongoing Population-Based Cancer Registry, 2014

Introduction: The epidemiology of common cancers in Kerman province, southeast of Iran, was assessed basedupon results of the Kerman Population-Based Cancer Registry Program (KPBCR). Methods: in this retrospective study,all patients diagnosed with primary cancers and registered with the KPBCR were included. New cancer cases registeredfrom 2014 were identified from pathological labs, medical reports of 48 health facilities providing cancer diagnosis ortreatment services and the national death registry program. Data for patients who were referred to neighboring provincesto access health services were also collected from national referral registries. Results from autopsies was additionallyextracted from regional forensic and legal medicine centers and added to the registry periodically. Age standardizedincidence rates (ASRs) per 100,000 person-years for all cancers were computed, using direct-standardization and CanRegmethodology. Mortality to incidence (M:I) ratios and microscopically verified (MV) proportions were calculated asquality measures. Results: A total of 2,838 cases of cancer were registered in Kerman province, 2014. Of these 45. 6%involved women (n=1,293). Individuals aged 60-64 years represented the largest proportion (11.6%) of the total cancerprevalence, followed by those aged 55-59 years (10.86%) and 65-69 years (8.99%). The ASRs for all cancers were155.1 and 118.90 per 100,000, in men and women, respectively. In women, breast (ASR: 26.4), skin (ASR: 13.0),thyroid (ASR: 9.2), leukemia (ASR: 8.0) and colorectal (ASR: 7.70) were the most common cancers. In men, bladder(ASR: 24.70), skin (ASR: 16.80), lung (ASR: 14.6), leukemia (ASR: 14.50), and stomach (ASR: 10.8) were found tobe the most frequent. Conclusion: This study provided latest evidence on epidemiology of cancer in the southeast ofIran that could be used to empower prevention and control interventions in a developing country.     

Trends in the incidence of cancer in Kampala,Uganda 1991–2010

The Kampala cancer registry is the longest established in Africa. Trends in incidence rates for a 20‐year period (1991–2010) for Kyadondo County (Kampala city and a rural hinterland) illustrate the effects of changing lifestyles in urban Africa, and the effects of the epidemic of HIV‐AIDS. There has been an overall increase in the risk of cancer during the period in both sexes, with incidence rates of major cancers such as breast and prostate showing particularly marked increases (3.7% and 5.2% annually, respectively). In the 1960s cancer of the oesophagus was the most common cancer of men (and second in women), and incidence in the last 20 years has not declined. Cancer of the cervix, always the most frequent cancer of women, has shown an increase over the period (1.8% per year), although the rates appear to have declined in the last 4 years. HIV prevalence in adults in Uganda fell from a maximum in 1992 to a minimum (about 6%) in 2004, and has risen a little subsequently, while availability of antiretroviral drugs has risen sharply in recent years. Incidence of Kaposi sarcoma in men fell until about 2002, and has been relatively constant since then, while in women there has been a continuing decline since 2000. Other HIV related cancers—non‐Hodgkin lymphoma of younger adults, and squamous cell carcinoma of conjunctiva—have shown major increases in incidence, although the former (NHL) has shown a small decline in incidence in the most recent 2 years.     

Trends in the incidence of cancer in the black population of Harare,Zimbabwe 1991–2010

Incidence rates of different cancers have been calculated for the black population of Harare, Zimbabwe for a 20‐year period (1991–2010) coinciding with continuing social and lifestyle changes, and the peak, and subsequent wane, of the HIV‐AIDS epidemic. The overall risk of cancer increased during the period in both sexes, with rates of cervix and prostate cancers showing particularly dramatic increases (3.3% and 6.4% annually, respectively). By 2004, prostate cancer had become the most common cancer of men. The incidence of cancer of the esophagus, formerly the most common cancer of men, has remained relatively constant, whereas rates of breast and cervix cancers, the most common malignancies of women, have shown significant increases (4.9% and 3.3% annually, respectively). The incidence of Kaposi sarcoma increased to a maximum around 1998–2000 and then declined in all age groups, and in both sexes The incidence of squamous cell cancers of the conjunctiva is relatively high, with temporal trends similar to those of Kaposi sarcoma. Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, the fifth most common cancer of men and fourth of women, showed a steady increase in incidence throughout the period (6.7–6.9% annually), although rates in young adults (15–39) have decreased since 2001. Cancer control in Zimbabwe, as elsewhere in sub‐Saharan Africa, involves meeting the challenge of emerging cancers associated with westernization of lifestyles (large bowel, breast and prostate), while the incidence of cancers associated with poverty and infection (liver, cervix and esophagus) shows little decline, and the residual burden of the AIDS‐associated cancers remains significant.     

Cancer incidence in Ho Chi Minh City,Viet Nam, 1995–1996

The results from the population-based cancer registry for the city of Ho Chi Minh in 1995–1996 represent the first information on the incidence of cancer in southern Viet Nam. A total of 4,080 cancer cases in males and 4,338 in females were registered, corresponding to age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) of 130.9 per 100,000 in men and 100.7 per 100,000 in women. As elsewhere in South East Asia, the principal cancer of men was liver cancer (ASR 25.3), with moderately high rates of lung cancer (ASR 24.6) and stomach cancer (ASR 16.5); cancer of the penis, reportedly very common in early case series from Viet Nam, is now rarely seen. In women, cervical cancer was the dominant malignancy (ASR 26.0) followed by breast cancer (ASR 12.2) and stomach cancer (ASR 7.5). Although there may be some under-registration in these early years of operation, the recorded rates of cervical cancer and liver cancer are already high and suggest that southern Viet Nam would benefit from an effective cervical cancer screening programme, as well as efforts to interrupt the transmission of hepatitis B virus to reduce liver cancer incidence and effective anti-smoking programs. Int. J. Cancer 76:472–479, 1998.© 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Increasing Incidence of Colorectal Cancer,Starting at a Younger Age for Rectal Compared to Colon Cancer in Brunei Darussalam

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal malignancy and is a significantcause of mortality. Its incidence is generally increasing in Asia. Reports from the West have indicated that theincidence of rectal cancer is increasing in the younger population. This study assessed the time trend of CRCin Brunei Darussalam specifically assessing the different age groups at which the incidences start to increase.Materials and Methods: The National Cancer registry was reviewed (1991 to 2014). The age standardizedrate (ASR) and the age specific incidence rates (ASIRs) for three time periods (1991-1998), (1999-2006) and(2007-2014) were calculated. Results: The mean age of diagnosis was 59.3±14.6 years old, incidences beingslightly higher amongst men (57.6%) and Malays (67.1%). The most common tumor type was adenocarcinoma(96.4%). Rectal cancers accounted for 35.2% (n=372/1,056) of all cancers of the large bowel; more men wereaffected than women. The proportion of rectal cancer was also high among the indigenous group. In the threetime periods, the ASR for CRC increased from 16 per 100,000 (1991-1998) to 19.6 per 100,000 (1999-2006) and24.3 per 100,000 (2007-2014). The ASIRs for CRC increased markedly between the time periods 1998-2006 and2007-2014, beginning in the 40-44 years age group. For rectal cancers, the ASIRs started to increase in the 25-29age group onward whereas for colon cancers, the increase was observed at a later age, starting from the 45-49age group. Conclusions: Our study showed an increase in the incidence of CRC including in the younger agegroups. The increase was seen earlier in rectal cancer compared to colon cancer. These data mirror the trendsreported from the West.     

Changing cancer incidence in Kampala,Uganda, 1991–2006

Incidence rates of different cancers have been calculated for the population of Kyadondo County (Kampala, Uganda) for a 16‐year period (1991–2006). This period coincides with continuing social and lifestyle changes and the peak and subsequent wane of the epidemic of HIV‐AIDS. There has been an overall increase in the risk of cancer during the period in both sexes, with the incidence rates of cancers of the breast and prostate showing particularly marked increases (4.5% annually). Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in men. The incidence of cancer of the esophagus, formerly the most common cancer in men and second in frequency in women, has remained relatively constant, whereas the incidence of cancer of the cervix, the most common malignancy in women, continues to increase. Since the early 1990s the incidence of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in men has declined, and while remaining relatively constant in women, it has been diagnosed at progressively later ages. The rates of pediatric KS have declined by about 1/3rd. The incidence of squamous cell cancers of the conjunctiva has also declined since the mid 1990s. Cancer control in Uganda, as elsewhere in sub‐Saharan Africa, involves meeting the challenge of emerging cancers associated with westernization of lifestyles (large bowel, breast and prostate); although the incidence of cancers associated with poverty and infection (liver, cervix, esophagus) shows little decline, the residual burden of the AIDS‐associated cancers remains a major burden.     

Patterns of cancer incidence among the population of qatar: a worldwide comparative study.

Background: Cancer is a major public health problem all over the world. Monitoring the evolution of the cancer burden in the State of Qatar is of great value but has never been explored in depth. Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the incidence patterns of cancer cases, assess trends during the period 1991 - 2006 and make comparisons with other countries. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study based on the Cancer disease registry of Al Amal Cancer hospital, State of Qatar, from 1991 - 2006. All Qataris and non-Qataris, males and females, who were diagnosed with any type of cancer were included in this study. The diagnostic classification of definite cancer cases was made according to the International Classification of Disease 10th revision (ICD-10). Results: A total of 5,825 cancer cases were registered in Qatar during the period 1991 - 2006 with 56.7% in males and 43.3% in females, 35.6% in Qataris and 64.4% in non-Qataris. Incidence rates per 100,000 population showed that lung (5.9), lymph node (5.9), bone marrow (4.1) and connective tissue (3.9) were the top major cancers in men. In women, breast (30.1), genital organs (9), lymph node (6.8), rectum (6.1) and thyroid (5.7) cancers were the leading cancers. There was a sharp rise in the total number of cancer cases during the period 2002-2006 of 57.1% compared to the period 1991-1996. The incidence rate of cancer cases increased with increasing age in all cancer types except for breast cancer in women above 65 years old. During the study period, the five most common cancers among women were different from those in men. The incidence rate per 100,000 population of all cancer types in Qatar (63.1) was remarkably lower than the other Middle East countries and the UK. Conclusions: Cancer is an important public health problem in Qatar, with increase in incidence with age. Incidence rates of all cancers were higher across all age groups of women compared to men. Lung cancer was the most frequent cancer diagnosed in men and breast cancer in women. More epidemiological studies are now required to elucidate the patterns of cancer and related risk factors.     

Gastric Cancer in Brunei Darussalam: Epidemiological Trend Over a 27 Year Period (1986-2012)

Background: Gastric cancer is the second most common gastrointestinal cancer and is more common in the East, compared to the West. This study assesses the trend of gastric cancers in Brunei Darussalam, a developing nation with a predominantly Malay population. Materials and Methods: The cancer registry from 1986 to 2012 maintained by the Department of Pathology, the only State Laboratory at the RIPAS Hospital, Ministry of Health, was reviewed and data extracted for analyses. The age standardised rate (ASR) and age specific incidence rate were calculated based on the projected population. Cancers diagnosed below 45 years were categorised as young gastric cancer. Results: Over the study period, there were a total of 551 cases of gastric cancer diagnosed. The most common type was adenocarcinoma (87.9%), followed by lymphoma (6.1%) and gastrointestinal stromal tumour (2.8%). The overall mean age at diagnosis was 61.9 years old (range 15 to 98) with an increasing trendobserved, but this was not significant (ANOVA). There were differences in the mean age at diagnosis for the different races (p=0.003 for trend), but not the gender (p=0.105). Young gastric cancer accounted for 14.9%, being more common in women, and in Expatriate and Malay populations compared to the Chinese. There was a decrease in the ASR, from 17.3/100,000 in 1986-1990 to 12.5/100,000 in 2006-2010. Chinese had a higher overall ASR (20.2/100,000) compared to the Malays (11.8/100,000). The age specific rates were comparable between menand women until the age group 55-59 years when the rates started to diverge, becoming higher in men. Chinese men had higher rates then Malay men whereas, the rates were higher or comparable between the women untilthe age group >70 when the rate for Chinese women overtook their Malay counterpart. Conclusions: Our study showed that there is a declining trend in the incidence of gastric cancer and higher rates were observed in men and Chinese.     

Cancer Incidence in Southwest of Iran: First Report from Khuzestan Population-Based Cancer Registry, 2002-2009

Background: Cancer incidence rates are increasing particularly in developing countries. It is crucial for policymakers to know basic cancer epidemiology in each region to design comprehensive prevention plans. There havehitherto been no population-based data available for cancer in Khuzestan province. The present report is a firstfrom the regional population-based cancer registry for the period of 2002-2009. Materials and Methods: Datawere collected retrospectively reviewing all new cancer patients whom were registered in Khuzestan provincecancer registry during an 8-year period (2002-2009). All cases were coded based on the ICD-O-3 coding systemand collected data were computerized using SPSS (Chicago, IL) software, version 11.5. The age standardizedincidence rates (ASRs) per 100,000 person-year for all cancers were computed using the indirect method ofstandardization to the world population. Results: During the 8-year study period, 16,801 new cancer cases wereregistered. Based on the computed ASRs, the five most frequent malignancies in females were breast (26.4 per100,000), skin (13.6), colorectal (5.72), stomach (4.31) and bladder(4.07) and in males, the five most frequentwere skin (16.0 per 100,000), bladder (10.7),prostate (7.64), stomach (7.17), and colorectal (6.32).The ASR forall malignancies in women was 92.5 per 100,000, and that for men was 87.4. Conclusions: The observed patternsfrom the analysis of Khuzestan cancer registry data will lead to better understanding of the epidemiology ofvarious malignancies in this part ofthe country and consequently provide a useful guide for authorities to makeefficacious decisions and policies about a cancer control program for south-west Iran.     

Epidemiology of head and neck cancer in Thailand

Cancer is the most common cause of death in Thailand, with the mortality almost doubled during 1998–2011 (from 48.4 to 95.2 per 100 000). The estimated number of new cancer cases in 2011 was 112 392. Our review provides baseline data on the current epidemiological situation with head and neck (HN) cancer in Thailand based on reports of the National Cancer Registry and findings from local and international publications. Collectively, HN cancer approaches age‐standardized rate (ASR) incidence of 15.7 and 10.7 per 100 000 males and females, respectively, and is ranked among the top five dominant cancers in Thailand. The leading HN malignancies in men are oral (ASR incidence 4.6 per 100 000), nasopharyngeal (ASR 2.8) and laryngeal (ASR 2.7) cancers, while the most common cancers in women are thyroid (ASR 5.1) and oral (ASR 3.2) carcinomas. Some local habits (betel quid chewing, traditional cigarette smoking and alcohol intake) are associated with the high incidence of oral cancer in Northeast Thailand. Despite important prognostic significance, the role of human papillomavirus infection in various HN cancers from Thailand has been scarcely addressed. There is a growing incidence of thyroid cancer over the last two decades. The Thai population overall, compared to worldwide rates of HN malignancies, has a lower incidence of laryngeal and thyroid cancers but higher incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer.     

Cancer Occurrence in Old Age: Results of a Population-Based Cancer Registry in Semnan,Iran

Introduction: The proportion of elderly persons has increased in most countries during the last few decades, and ‍will increase further in the coming years. A population-based study was here carried out to clarify the site-specific ‍cancer-incidence rates in old age in Iran. Aims and Methods: A comprehensive search was undertaken to survey and ‍register all new cancer cases during a 5-year (1998-2002) period among the indigenous population of Semnan Province ‍aged 65 years or over. Diagnosis of cancer was based on histopathology, clinical or radiological findings, and death ‍certificates. Results: A total of 791 patients were registered with cancers. Of these, 492 (62.1%) were males. Crude ‍rates were 1,310 and 962 per 100,000 persons per year for males and females respectively, and age-standardized ‍ratios (ASRs) were 1350 and 973. Gastric cancer was the most common tumor with incidence rates of 340 and 153 ‍per 100,000 persons per year for elderly males and females respectively. In women breast cancer was the second most ‍common cancer (ASR= 108). In men prostate cancer was the second most common cancer with ASR= 150. ‍Conclusions: Based on the present standardized rates, cancer is almost 9 times and 7 times more frequent among the ‍elderly compared with younger men and women (30-64). The highest incidence of cancers was in group 75-79 years ‍in both sex and then decrease was noted with increasing age.     

Difference in the Incidences of the Most Prevalent Urologic Cancers from 2003 to 2009 in Iran

Background: Urological cancers represent a major public problem associated with high mortality andmorbidity. The pattern of these cancers varies markedly according to era, region and ethnic groups, butincreasing incidence trends overall makes focused epidemiological studies important. The aim of the presentstudy was to assess the incidence of most prevalent urological cancers in Iran from 2003 to 2009. Materials andMethods: The data for this study were obtained from the population-based Cancer Registry Center of the IranMinistry of Health and Medical Education. Differences of mean age and age distributions of each cancer werecompared between 2003 and 2009 in men and women. Results: Bladder cancer was the most common urologiccancer in both genders. The rate difference of age standardized ratio (ASR) of bladder and renal cell carcinomain women were 1.54 and 2.01 percent per 100,000 population from 2003 to the 2009, respectively. In men, therate difference of age standardized ratio of prostate, testis, kidney and bladder cancer was also 2.23, 1.2, 1.8and 1.5 percent per 100,000 population from 2003 to 2009, respectively. The mean ages of patients in all cancersin both genders did not differ significantly through time (p value>0.05) but the distribution of ages of patientswith bladder and prostate cancer changed significantly from 2003 to 2009 (p value<0.001). Conclusions: Theresults of present study suggest the general pattern and incidence of urological cancers in Iran are changing,the observed increase pointing to a need for urological cancer screening programs.     

Cancer Incidences in Urban Delhi - 2001-05

The Delhi Population based cancer registry collects data on new cancer cases diagnosed among Delhi urbanresident population. The sources for cancer registration are more than 162 government hospitals/centers and250 private hospitals and nursing homes. During the period 1st January 2001 to 31st December 2005 a total of54,554 cases were registered of which 28,262 were males and 26,292 were females. The age adjusted (worldpopulation) incidence rates were 116.9 per 100,000 for males and 116.7 per 100,000 for females. The leading sitesof cancer among Delhi males was lung (ASR: 13.8 per 100,000) followed by oral cavity (ASR:11.4), prostate(ASR:9.0) and larynx (ASR:7.9). In females, breast (ASR: 30.2 per 100,000) was the most common site ofcancer, followed by cervix uteri (ASR:17.5), ovary (ASR:8.5) and gallbladder (ASR:7.4). The incidence of prostatecancer in males and ovary cancer in females in Delhi were the highest among the Indian registries, while larynxamong males was the second highest and the gallbladder cancer in females was the highest among Indianmetropolitan cities.     

Cancer incidence in Karachi, Pakistan: first results from Karachi Cancer Registry

No cancer incidence data from Pakistan have been published in the 5 decades since independence. Incidence data for the period 1995-1997 from the population of the Karachi South district (1.7 million) are presented here. A total of 4,268 new cancer cases were registered during this period: 2,160 cases in males and 2,108 cases in females. Overall, 95.3% of the incident cases were microscopically verified. The incidence rates for all cancers combined were 80.5 per 100,000 (crude) and 136.7 per 100,000 (age- standardised rates [ASR]) for males and 91.8 (crude) and 163.2 per 100,000 (ASR) for females. In males, lung cancer (ASR 20.3) was the most frequently recorded malignancy followed by oral cavity (ASR 13.8) and larynx cancer (ASR 8.6). In females, breast was the most common site of cancer, accounting for one third of female cancers (ASR 51.7), followed by oral cavity (ASR 14.1) and ovarian cancer (ASR 10.2). Karachi reports the highest incidence of breast cancer for any Asian population, except Jews in Israel. Tobacco smoking is estimated to be responsible for 40% of cancers in males and tobacco chewing for a further substantial proportion of head and neck cancers.