| Abstract: | An epidemiologic assessment of the problem of cancer in women in Kerala based on 3 Population Cancer Registry ?data and a Hospital Based data is presented. Kerala’s Socio-economic and demography presents an intermediate ?development from a less developed to a better-developed state. As yet, the women follow a tradition-based life style. ?Cancer incidence rate in Kerala was only 80% of urban rates than seen in Urban Metropolis in India. The pattern of ?site distribution has shown that GI, Breast & Cervix cancers are the predominant cancers. Oral cavity cancers also ?show a high frequency. Thyroid cancer has a higher incidence rate in Kerala compared to other areas. Lung cancer ?among women has higher incidence rate in Karunagappally women. A high prevalence of tobacco use is reported ?among the men in the above area. Breast cancer incidence rate in the rural areas was only 60% of the rate seen in ?Urban Trivandrum. Unlike in other rural and urban areas of India Cervix cancer has a low incidence rate in Kerala ?women. This may be due to better education and also due to the changes in marital and other life style practices. ?Only 15% of cancer patients attend for medical assistance in localized stage of disease. The need for public education ?is highlighted and focusing on tobacco use control, self-examination and screening. |
