Cancer incidence and mortality in Antigua/Barbuda

An inquiry into the incidence and mortality of malignant neoplasms in Antigua/Barbuda was undertaken to document the magnitude of the disease. The top ranking cancers diagnosed in 114 males were skin (26.3%), prostate (22.8%) and upper respiratory and alimentary tract (10.5%). In 130 females, the 3 main cancers were breast (23.1%), cervix uteri (22.3%), and skin (15.3%). The main cancers causing death were stomach (22.3%) and prostate (17.8%) in 157 males; and breast (18.2%) and cervix uteri (14.1%) in 149 females. Imprecise documentation, insufficient clinico-pathological correlation and the finding of advanced cancers underscore the need for a cancer registry and cancer society in Antigua/Barbuda.