Cancer mortality among Chinese, Japanese, and Indians in British Columbia, 1964-73

We compared age-adjusted mortality rates for cancer of selected sites for Chinese, Japanese, and native Indian residents of British Columbia during the years 1964-73 to the corresponding rates for the white population. Mortality from all cancers of the Chinese did not differ significantly from that of whites. Elevated rates are seen for cancer of the nasopharynx in both sexes, of the liver and esophagus in males, and of the lung in females. Chinese males had a lower mortality than whites from stomach, prostate, and bladder cancer and brain tumors, whereas females had a lower mortality from tumors of the colon, breast, and ovary; both sexes had a lower mortality from leukemia. For Japanese males and females, the mortality rates for all cancers combined were similar to those of the white population. The rates for cancer of the stomach and gallbladder were higher in both sexes; males also showed a higher rate of liver cancer. Prostate and breast cancer mortality rates were lower. Native Indian males had a lower mortality rate from all cancers combined; the difference was significant for stomach, colon, lung, and prostate cancers, and for leukemia. Native Indian females showed a lower rate for ovarian cancer and a higher rate of tumors of the gallbladder and uterine cervix, but their overall cancer mortality was similar to that of whites.     

Cancer incidence in Japan

Based on the estimates by the Research Group for Population-based Cancer Registration in Japan, time-trend of cancer incidence in Japan was described and analyzed. During the period of 1975-1998, the annual total cancer incidence increased 111,000-290,000 in males, and 96,000-208,000 among females. The higher incidence was prominent for cancers of the colorectum, lung, liver, gallbladder and extrahepatic bill duct (both sexes), prostate, and breast (female), whereas it was low or negligible for cancers of the stomach (both sexes) and uterus. The increased cancer incidence was globally attributed to the rapid growth of the Japanese aged population. However, a remarkable increase in the age-standardized incidence rate was also observed for cancers of the colorectum (both sexes), prostate, and breast (female). A decline in the age-standardized incidence rate was continuously observed for cancer of the stomach and uterus. A birth cohort analysis has revealed that the cancer incidence in Japan has been highly affected by the generation. Based on the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Vol. VIII, the cumulative risk of cancer incidence (0-79 years old) was calculated and compared among the Japanese population (6 registries' data), US-Japanese and US-white. Several characteristics were suggested and discussed for Japanese cancer risk.     

The cancer pattern in Africans at Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg

Material on African cancer cases admitted to Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, over the years 1948-64 has been analysed, and it has been possible to obtain a useful incidence rate, a ratio study and a tribal analysis for purposes of comparison. The incidence rate, when compared to an earlier Johannesburg survey, showed a rise in oesophageal cancers for males and females. Both lung and prostate cancers showed rising rates in the men, while the female breast and cervix cancer rates remained relatively constant. Liver cancers had decreased in both sexes.     

Time trends in cancer incidence and mortality in central Italy.

Time trends in cancer incidence and mortality represent an essential tool for monitoring the changes in population lifestyle and in the environmental risks and the effectiveness of the health system on cancer control in a specific area. During 1985-1997 82 506 malignant tumours were diagnosed in the Tuscany Cancer Registry, central Italy (about 1 200 000 inhabitants) and 54 979 cancer deaths registered in the period 1985-1999 by the Regional Mortality Registry were analysed. A statistically significant decrease in incidence was evidenced for stomach and gallbladder in both sexes, and for oesophagus, larynx and lung among males. Significant increases were documented for melanomas of the skin, kidney and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in both sexes for colon, prostate and Kaposi's sarcoma among males and for breast, thyroid and multiple myeloma among females. Mortality decreased significantly for stomach and thyroid in both sexes and for oral cavity and pharynx, oesophagus, rectum, larynx, lung, bone, prostate, testis and Hodgkin's disease among males and colon, gallbladder and breast among females. Mortality increased for soft tissue, brain and multiple myeloma. In conclusion, most of these data can be explained as the effect of the modifications that occurred in smoking habits between the sexes and as the consequence of the primary and secondary prevention activities that are ongoing in the area.     

Recent trends of cancer in Europe: a combined approach of incidence, survival and mortality for 17 cancer sites since the 1990s

IntroductionWe present a comprehensive overview of most recent European trends in population-based incidence of, mortality from and relative survival for patients with cancer since the mid 1990s.MethodsData on incidence, mortality and 5-year relative survival from the mid 1990s to early 2000 for the cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, colorectum, pancreas, larynx, lung, skin melanoma, breast, cervix, corpus uteri, ovary, prostate, testis, kidney, bladder, and Hodgkin’s disease were obtained from cancer registries from 21 European countries. Estimated annual percentages change in incidence and mortality were calculated. Survival trends were analyzed by calculating the relative difference in 5-year relative survival between 1990–1994 and 2000–2002 using data from EUROCARE-3 and -4.ResultsTrends in incidence were generally favorable in the more prosperous countries from Northern and Western Europe, except for obesity related cancers. Whereas incidence of and mortality from tobacco-related cancers decreased for males in Northern, Western and Southern Europe, they increased for both sexes in Central Europe and for females nearly everywhere in Europe. Survival rates generally improved, mostly due to better access to specialized diagnostics, staging and treatment. Marked effects of organised or opportunistic screening became visible for breast, prostate and melanoma in the wealthier countries. Mortality trends were generally favourable, except for smoking related cancers.ConclusionCancer prevention and management in Europe is moving in the right direction. Survival increased and mortality decreased through the combination of earlier detection, better access to care and improved treatment. Still, cancer prevention efforts have much to attain, especially in the domain of female smoking prevalence and the emerging obesity epidemic.     

Cancer Incidence Rates in Turkey in 2006: A Detailed Registry Based Estimation

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to provide a detailed report on cancer incidence in Turkey, a relativelylarge country with a population of 72 million. We present the estimates of the cancer burden in Turkey for2006, calculated using data from the eight population based cancer registries which have been set up in selectedprovinces representative of sociodemographic patterns in their regions. Methods: We calculated age specificand age adjusted incidence rates (AAIR–world standard population) for each of registries separately. Weassigned a weighting coefficient for each registry proportional to the population size of the region which theregistry represents. Results: We pooled a total of 24,428 cancers (14,581 males, 9,847 females). AAIRs per 100000 were: 210.1 in men and 129.4 in women for all cancer sites excluding non-melanoma skin cancer. The AAIRper 100 000 men was highest for lung cancer (60.3) followed by prostate (22.8), bladder (19.6), stomach (16.3)and colo-rectal (15.4) cancers. Among women the rate per 100 000 was highest for breast cancer (33.7) followedby colorectal (11.5), stomach (8.8), thyroid (8.8) and lung (7.7). The most striking findings about the cancerincidence in the provinces were the high incidence rates for stomach and esophageal cancers in Erzurum andhigh stomach cancer incidence rates in Trabzon for both sexes. Conclusions: We are thus able to present themost accurate and realistic estimations for cancer incidence in Turkey so far. Lung, prostate, bladder, stomach,colorectal, larynx cancers in men and breast, colorectal, stomach, thyroid, lung, corpus uteri cancers in womenare the leading cancers respectively. This figure shows us tobacco related cancers, lung, bladder and larynx,predominate in men. Concurrently, we analyzed the data for each province separately, giving us the opportunityto present the differences in cancer patterns among provinces. The high incidences of stomach and esophagealcancers in East and high incidence of stomach cancer in Northeast regions are remarkable.     

Trends in cancer mortality, France 1950-1985

Trends in mortality for main cancer sites in France between 1950 and 1985 are presented by sex. In the population aged 35-65, where long term trends can most reliably be assessed, an overall 1.1% mean annual increase is observed for males and a 0.6% mean annual decrease is observed for females. For males, this increase in total cancer mortality is mostly due to the sites associated with tobacco and alcohol. The important increase for lung cancer, and lesser increases for bladder, pancreas and kidney cancers are related to the increase in tobacco consumption from 4.7 g per adult per day in 1950 to 6.3 g in 1976. For cancer sites associated with alcohol and tobacco, namely oesophagus, pharynx, larynx, tongue and mouth, mortality is increasing similarly for males and for females, although these cancers are much less frequent among females. For females, the overall moderate decrease is mostly due to the decrease in cervix and stomach cancer mortality, uncompensated by the observed increase in breast cancer; there is no marked increase in lung cancer mortality for women, contrary to what is observed in other Western countries.     

Cancer patterns among Koreans in Japan, Koreans in Korea and Japanese in Japan in relation to life style factors

Cancer incidences for major sites were compared among Koreans in Osaka, Japan, Koreans in Korea and Japanese in Osaka by calculating standardized proportional incidence ratios (SPIR's), in addition to updating the findings on cancer mortality experiences of Koreans and Japanese in Osaka reported before. Compared with Japanese, Koreans in Osaka had significantly higher mortality rates from cancers of the esophagus, liver and lung in males, and liver in females. Mortality rates among Koreans in Osaka were significantly lower for stomach cancer in both sexes and for breast cancer in females. Compared with Korean counterparts in the homeland, Koreans in Osaka had a reduced risk for cancers of the stomach in males and the uterus in females. On the other hand, an elevated risk was observed for cancers of the esophagus, colon, liver and lung among Korean males in Osaka and for cancers of the colon and liver among Korean females in Osaka. The risk for cancer of the breast in females was similar among Koreans in the host and home countries. These different cancer patterns among Koreans in the host and home countries and Japanese are discussed in relation to their life styles, such as smoking, drinking and dietary habits, which have been investigated by means of questionnaire surveys.     

Trends and predictions of cancer incidence cases by site and sex for Mumbai

In order to estimate the resources needed for the diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and rehabilitation services needed for cancer patients, it is important to know the magnitude of common cancers at present and in future. Keeping this view in mind an attempt has been made to predict cancer incidence cases for most common cancers for Greater Bombay upto the year 2002. The trend analysis is carried out for major 30 cancer sites for both the sexes using age incidence data of Greater Bombay for the period 1968 to 1987. The age-period-cohort model which was fitted to the data for studying trends for each site and sex has also been utilized for prediction also. Prediction was based on the assumption that the characteristic features of the model estimated from the observed rates would continue to hold during the prediction periods. Present trend analysis showed that cancers of the tongue, mouth, oropharynx, oesophagus, stomach and larynx in both sexes and cervix for females have registered a decline in incidence over a period of observation. While, during the same period, cancers of the liver, pancreas, bladder, brain and thyroid in both the sexes, breast, endometrium and ovary in females, and testis in males showed increasing trends in incidence, while cancers of the hypopharynx, lung, bone, connective tissue and lymphomas in both the sexes did not show any significant change in the incidence. In males in 1968-1972 cancer of the oesophagus was the leading cancer, followed by lung, larynx, tongue and stomach, while in 1988-2002 cancer of the lung will be the most predominant cancer, followed by hypopharynx, oesophagus, prostate and tongue. It is believed that the results of the present study will provide a sound basis for planning the cancer control, prevention, diagnostics, treatment and rehabilitation in Mumbai for the years to come.     

Cancer incidence and mortality in young adults in vaud,Switzerland, 1974-1992

Trends in cancer incidence and mortality in young adults (aged 20 to 44 years) over the period 1974-1992 were analyzed using data from the Vaud Cancer Registry, Switzerland. A total of 1,497 cancers were registered in males, after excluding non melanomatous skin cancers. The most common neoplasms were testis, lymphomas, lung, skin melanoma and oral cavity and pharynx. The overall age-standardized (world population) incidence was 750 per million males, and increased from 676 in 1974-1979 to 808 in 1986-1992. These upward trends were due mainly to cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx, lung, skin melanoma and colorectum, while testicular cancer rates remained stable. For females, a total of 1,899 malignant neoplasms was notified, corresponding to an overall age-standardized incidence of 914 per million. The overall rate increased from 818 in 1974-1979 to 1,003 in 1986-1992. The most frequent neoplasms were breast, skin melanoma, ovary, thyroid and lymphomas. The major types of cancer responsible for these upward trends were breast cancer, skin melanoma and lung cancer. In the period studied there were 458 cancer deaths in males and 408 in females, corresponding to an overall age-standardized rate of 227 per million males and 193 per million females. Death rates in males tended to decline, to reach 194 per million in 1986-1992, but no consistent trend was observed in females. The decline in males was essentially due to the fall in rates for testicular cancer and Hodgkin's disease. In females, falls in death rates were observed for cancer of the cervix uteri, ovary and Hodgkin's disease. Death rates were upwards for lung cancer in both sexes, and for skin melanoma and breast cancer in females. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Reduction of socioeconomic inequality in cancer incidence in the South of the Netherlands during 1996–2008

BackgroundCancer incidence varies according to socioeconomic status (SES) and time trends. SES category may thus point to differential effects of lifestyle changes but early detection may also affect this.Patients and methodsWe studied patients diagnosed in 1996–2008 and registered in the South Netherlands Cancer registry. Incidence rates and estimated annual percentage changes were calculated according to SES category, age group (25–44, 45–64 and ?65) and sex.ResultsPeople with a low SES exhibited elevated incidence rates of cancer of the head and neck, upper airways (both sexes), gastro-intestinal tract, squamous cell skin cancer, breast (?65) and all female genital, bladder, kidney and mature B-cells (all in females only), whereas prostate cancer, basal cell skin cancer (BCC) and melanoma (both except in older females) were most common among those with a high SES. Due to the greater increase in prostate cancer and melanoma in high SES males and the larger reduction of lung cancer in low SES males, incidence of all cancers combined became more elevated among males of ?45 years with a high and intermediate SES, and approached rates for low SES men aged 45–64. In spite of more marked increases in the incidence of colon, rectal and lung cancer in high SES women, the incidence of all cancers combined remained highest for low SES women of ?45 years. However, at age 25–44 years, the highest incidence of cancer of the breast and melanoma was observed among high SES females. During 1996–2008 inequalities increased unfavourably among higher SES people for prostate cancer, BCC (except in older women) and melanoma (at middle age), while decreasing favourably among low SES people for cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, pancreas and kidney (both in females only), breast (?65 years), corpus uteri and ovary.ConclusionsAlthough those with a low SES exhibited the highest incidence rates of the most common cancers, higher risks were observed among those with high SES for melanoma and BCC (both except older females) and for prostate and breast (young females) cancer. Altogether this might also have contributed to the recent higher cancer awareness in Dutch society which is usually promoted more by patients of high SES and those who know or surround them.     

Cancer mortality in Shanghai during the period 1963-77.

In Shanghai a population-based Cancer Registry has been in operation since 1963 covering the urban area, with total population of about 5.6 million. In this report methods of collecting cancer deaths and population data are described in detail, and cancer mortality data for the period 1963-77 presented. The main fatal cancers were those of stomach, lung, liver, oesophagus and colon-rectum; among females, in addition there were cancers of uterus and breast. During the 15-year period a rapid increase in cancer-mortality rate was seen for lung, colon-rectum, pancreas in both sexes, and for bladder in males. A notable decrease in mortality rate for cancer of the uterus (mainly for cancer of cervix uteri) occurred.     

Time-trends in cancer incidence and mortality in Japan

The cancer incidence and mortality in Japan are described herein. The total number of deaths from all malignant neoplasms in 1998 was 284,000, corresponding to 30.3% of the total number of deaths among Japanese. Lung was the leading site of cancer deaths (17.9%), followed by the stomach (17.9%), large bowel (12.1%), liver (11.8%), pancreas (6.2%), gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary tract (5.2%), lymphatic tissue (3.7%), esophagus (3.4%), breast (3.1%), prostate (2.4%), leukemia (2.3%) and uterus (1.8%). The stomach was the leading site of cancer deaths until 1997, but was replaced by the lungs in 1998. The age-standardized mortality rates (1975-1998) have increased gradually for males, but decreased slightly for females. The rates have decreased remarkably for the stomach and uterus, while increasing for the lungs, large bowel, female breast, gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary tract, pancreas, and others. The total incidence for all cancers in Japan was estimated to be 454,000 in 1995. The stomach was the leading cancer site (22.2%), followed by the large bowel (17.7%), lung (11.6%), liver (7.8%), breast (6.6%), pancreas (3.7%), gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary tract (3.4%), lymphatic tissue (3.1%) and uterus (2.9%). The age-standardized incidence rates for all sites (1975-1995) have increased gradually for males, while remaining constant for females after a slight increase in the late 1970s. The incidence rates have decreased for the stomach and uterus, but increased for the large bowel, female breast, lung, liver, gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary tract, pancreas, prostate and others. The increase in the incidence rate was prominent for the large bowel, female breast and prostate.     

Trends in cancer mortality in Italy, 1955-1978

Trends in age-specific and age-standardized cancer death certification rates in Italy from 1955 to 1978 were analyzed. In males total cancer mortality rates increased in all age groups. However, when respiratory and other tobacco-related neoplasms were excluded, death certification rates were roughly stable up to age 64. Moderate decreases in overall cancer mortality have been apparent at younger ages (35-44) since the early 1970's. In females, all the age-specific and the age standardized, under-65 death certification rates decreased; the downward trends were more pronounced (-18.5%) in the younger age group considered (35-44 years). Respiratory cancer mortality increased sharply in males: lung cancer death rates reached a plateau in the early 1970's in the 35-44-year age group, but increased at all subsequent ages. In females, the increase in lung cancer mortality was about 50% in the 45-54 and 55-64-year age groups, but no upward trend was evident in younger women. Other tobacco-related cancers (mouth or pharynx, larynx, esophagus, pancreas, kidney and bladder) also rose considerably. In both sexes, gastric cancer mortality dropped about 50% below age 65, but mortality rates from cancer of the stomach were still considerably higher than in other Western countries. Likewise, mortality from cancer of the (cervix) uteri decreased markedly, mostly in younger age groups. Upward trends in death certification rates were evident for cancers of the bowel (colon and rectum, about 50% in males, and 35% in females below age 65), and of the breast in females. However, these trends have levelled off since the late 1960's, at least in the younger age groups. Certified death rates from cancer of the skin (melanoma) increased over all the periods considered in the young of both sexes. Cancer mortality rates showed marked increases in older (greater than or equal to 65) males, but this can be partially explained in terms of better case ascertainment and more accurate death certification.     

Cancer incidence patterns in Koreans in the US and in Kangwha,South Korea

Objective: In the US, Koreans are a rapidly growing group and comprised 10.5% of the total Asian population as of 2000. However, little has been published regarding cancer patterns in this subpopulation. Methods: Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program, the California Cancer Registry, and the International Association for Research on Cancer, we compared age-adjusted and age-specific incidence rates for cancers of the prostate, breast, cervix, lung, colon, rectum, stomach, liver, and esophagus in US Koreans with rates of these cancers in residents of Kangwha, South Korea, and in US whites as a reference. Results: While the most frequently diagnosed cancer was lung among US Korean males and breast among US Korean females, it was stomach cancer for both sexes in Kangwha. Rates of prostate, breast, and colon cancer were considerably higher for Koreans in the US than in Kangwha, but were not as high as in whites. Cervical and stomach cancers showed the opposite racial/ethnic pattern, with rates highest in Kangwha, intermediate among US Koreans, and lowest among whites. Rates of rectal cancer in females and esophageal cancer in males were two-times higher in Kangwha than in US Koreans but esophageal cancer rates were similar between US Koreans and whites. Liver cancer rates were similar between Kangwha residents and US Koreans, but nearly 10-times lower among whites. Conclusions: Although these comparisons may have methodologic limitations, including data quality and racial/ethnic misclassification, the differences seen in migrant and native Koreans for some cancers warrant further investigation in this growing subpopulation.     

Cancer mortality in African and Caribbean migrants to England and Wales.

Cancer mortality during 1970-85 of immigrants from East and West Africa and the Caribbean to England and Wales is described. Overall cancer mortality was raised in West African males (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.25-1.54), and non-significantly raised in West African females (RR 1.14, 0.96-1.37) compared to mortality in the England and Wales-born population. Much of the increased risk was due to very high rates of liver cancer in males (RR 31.6, 23.8-41.9), but rates were also raised for a wide range of other cancers in each sex. Only lung and brain cancer had significantly decreased mortality. In East Africans, overall cancer mortality was low in males (RR 0.63, 0.56-0.70), and in females (RR 0.80, 0.72-0.89). Mortality was significantly low for cancers of the stomach, pancreas and testis, and Hodgkin's disease in males, for cervical cancer in females, and for lung cancer and melanoma in both sexes. Cancer sites with significantly raised mortality included oropharyngeal cancer, leukaemia, and multiple myeloma in both sexes. In Caribbean immigrants overall cancer rates were significantly low in males (RR 0.71, 0.68-0.74) and in females (RR 0.76, 0.73-0.80). Mortality was significantly low for many cancers including colorectal, lung, testis and brain cancers. Mortality was significantly raised only for cancer of the prostate in males, of the placenta in females, and of the liver, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma in both sexes. Overall, mortality was high from prostatic cancer and liver cancer, and was low from brain cancer, in predominantly ethnic African immigrant groups. Both East and West African immigrants had raised rates of leukaemia. All of the migrant groups had high rates of multiple myeloma and low rates of testicular, ovarian and lung cancer. Genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to these patterns are discussed.     

Cancer Incidence in North Cyprus (1990-2004) Relative to European Rates

Cancer incidence in North Cyprus (NC), deemed an interesting epidemiological case due to possiblecontrasting prevailing factors in relation to South and North Europe (SE and NE), was evaluated for the period1990-2004. Age standardized rates (ASRs) and average age of incidence (AAI) values were determined for 12different cancers, separately for males and females. Annual trends were analyzed using linear regression slopes.Absolute values were compared by two-tailed t-tests. The order of prevalence for incidences of male (M) cancerswere: lung, skin, colorectal, prostate, brain, bladder, liver and stomach. Similarly, for females (F) they were:breast, gynaecological, skin, colorectal, lung, liver, brain, stomach and bladder. The following cancer cases weremore common than in SE and NE: lung (M) and skin (both genders). Breast (F), prostate, stomach (F), bladder(both sexes), cervix and corpus were less frequent; the rest were comparable. There was no difference in theannual trends of ASR or AAI for NC, compared with SE or NE. Thus cancer incidence in NC shares manyquantitative features with the rest of Europe. The worst cases could be improved by reducing smoking andprotection from the sun.     

Multiple primary cancers in the Vaud Cancer Registry, Switzerland, 1974-89.

Data collected by the Cancer Registry of the Swiss Canton of Vaud (whose population in 1980 was about 530,000 inhabitants) were used to estimate the incidence of second metachronous primary cancers following any specific neoplasm. Among 34,615 cases of incident neoplasms registered between 1974 and 1989 and followed through integrated active follow-up to the end of 1989, for a total of 118,241 person-years at risk, there were 2,185 second primaries (1,280 males, 905 females). For both sexes, the standardised incidence ratios (SIR) were significantly elevated by about 20%. Overall significantly elevated ratios were registered for cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx (SIR = 1.6 for males, 2.0 for females), oesophagus in males (SIR = 1.5), lung in males (SIR = 1.4), skin melanoma (SIR = 1.7 for males, 1.5 for females), non-melanomatous skin cancers (SIR = 1.6 for males, 1.5 for females), female breast (SIR = 1.3), kidney (SIR = 1.5 for males, 1.9 for females), and thyroid in males (SIR = 2.4). When specific first cancer sites were considered, the SIR following a cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx was around 3 in both sexes, mainly on account of a substantial excess of second primaries of the oral cavity, oesophagus, larynx and lung. The overall SIR following laryngeal cancer was 3.0, and significant excesses were observed for oral cavity and pharynx, oesophagus and lung. After lung cancer, the overall SIR was 1.7 for males and 2.6 for females, and significantly elevated SIRs were observed for oral cavity, lung and oesophagus. Following non-melanomatous skin cancers, elevated SIRs were observed in both sexes for skin melanoma and non-melanomas. The incidence of any cancer after breast cancer was significantly elevated (SIR = 1.2), mainly on account of an elevated risk of subsequent breast cancer (SIR = 1.7). With reference to cervical cancer, there was a significant excess for any subsequent primary (SIR = 1.6), and for lung cancer (SIR = 7.8). Significantly elevated SIRs were observed for kidney following bladder cancer, and for bladder after kidney cancer. In both sexes, the incidence of cancers of any site was elevated following leukaemias (SIR = 1.7 for males, 2.5 for females), and a significant excess was registered for lung in males and non-melanomatous skin cancers in both sexes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Patterns of Cancer in Kurdistan - Results of Eight Years Cancer Registration in Sulaymaniyah Province-Kurdistan-Iraq

Background: Cancer has become a major health problem associated with high mortality worldwide, especially in developing countries. The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence rates of different types of cancer in Sulaymaniyah from January-2006 to January-2014. The data were compared with those reported for other middle east countries. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study depended on data collected from Hiwa hospital cancer registry unit, death records and histopathology reports in all Sulaymaniyah teaching hospitals, using international classification of diseases. Results: A total of 8,031 cases were registered during the eight year period, the annual incidence rate in all age groups rose from 38 to 61.7 cases/100,000 population/year, with averages over 50 in males and 50.7 in females. The male to female ratio in all age groups were 0.98, while in the pediatric age group it was 1.33. The hematological malignancies in all age groups accounted for 20% but in the pediatric group around half of all cancer cases. Pediatric cancers were occluding 7% of total cancers with rates of 10.3 in boys and 8.7 in girls. The commonest malignancies by primary site were leukemia, lymphoma, brain, kidney and bone. In males in all age groups they were lung, leukaemia, lymphoma, colorectal, prostate, bladder, brain, stomach, carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) and skin, while in females they were breast, leukaemia, lymphoma, colorectal, ovary, lung, brain, CUP, and stomach. Most cancers were increased with increasing age except breast cancer where decrease was noted in older ages. High mortality rates were found with leukemia, lung, lymphoma, colorectal, breast and stomach cancers. Conclusions: We here found an increase in annual cancer incidence rates across the period of study, because of increase of cancer with age and higher rates of hematological malignancies. Our study is valuable for Kurdistan and Iraq because it provides more accurate data about the exact patterns of cancer and mortality in our region.     

Cancer mortality in Italy, 1997: quantifying the fall in rates in women and men.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: To update data and statistics on cancer death certification in Italy to 1997. METHODS: Data and statistics for 1997 subdivided into 31 cancer sites are presented.Trends in age-standardized rates for major cancer sites are plotted from 1955 to 1997. RESULTS: The age-standardized (world standard) death certification rates from all neoplasms steadily declined from the peak of 199.2/100,000 males in 1988 to 174.7 in 1997 and for females from 102.5 to 93.0. The decline was larger in truncated rates, by about 26% for males since 1983 and by 24% for females since the top rate of the early 1960's. A major component of the favorable trend in males was lung cancer, which showed a 16% decline from the peak of 1987-88, to reach 50.6/100,000 in 1997, corresponding to about 5,000 avoided deaths. The decline in lung cancer was about 34% at age 35 to 64. For females, in contrast, both the absolute number of lung cancer deaths and the age-standardized rate of 7.9/100,000 were among the highest values ever registered, reflecting the different pattern of spread of the tobacco-related lung cancer epidemic in the two sexes. Intestinal cancer rates were stable for males but declined by approximately 10% for females, mostly in middle age, as did breast cancer mortality. Among neoplasms showing favorable trends, there were other tobacco-related neoplasms in men, plus the continuing fall in stomach and cervix uteri. Upward trends were observed for non Hodgkin's lymphomas. CONCLUSIONS: The fall in cancer mortality observed over the last decade in Italy is attributable to a decline in lung and other tobacco-related neoplasms in males, together with a persistent fall in stomach and uterine (cervical) cancer. In women, there were also recent falls in intestinal and breast cancer rates, and declines in both sexes in rarer neoplasms influenced by therapeutic advancements.