Age-specific incidence of cancer in Kingston & St. Andrew, Jamaica

The Jamaican Cancer Registry recorded 3,652 cases of cancer in Kingston and St. Andrew during the period 1983-1987. Histological confirmation was maintained at a high level (86.3%). For males, the crude rate was 103.1 and for females, 126.5 (per 100,000 per annum). The age-standardized rates for all ages were 148.3 for males and 160.2 for females. The tables contain age-specific rates for each site by age.

30-year cancer trends in Jamaica: Kingston & St. Andrew (1958-1987)

A total of 19,225 malignant neoplasms were recorded in Kingston & St.Andrew, Jamaica over the 30-year period 1958-1987. The most prevalent cancers in males were those of prostate (12.2%), stomach (10.9%) and lung (10.7%). In females 24.1%of cancers occurred in breast and 20%were recorded for invasive carcinoma of the cervix. There is a steady improvement in the diagnosis of in situ cervical lesions, and a relative decline in the invasive lesions. Lung cancer in women remains at a low level. A significant decline in cancer of the oesophagus and stomach in both sexes was noted, while neoplasms of colon and rectum maintained a stable pattern. The 30-year trends of lymphomas and leukaemias have shown no increase, although there are changes in classification patterns.

Warthin's tumour in Jamaica: incidence, electron microscopy and immunoenzyme studies

Warthin's tumour has traditionally had a strong male association, and has been said to be rare in Blacks. Current studies describe a newtrend; a rise in females, strongly linked to cigarette smoking. The tumour has eosinophilic epithelial cells packed with distinctive mitochondria, and a lymphoid stroma. Immunological investigations have demonstrated polyclonal B cells and macrophages. Views differ as to whether B or T cells predominate. Between 1958 and 1989, the Jamaica Cancer Registry recorded 491 benign and malignant salivary gland tumours. There were 18 cases of Warthin's tumour (3.7%), with a male:female ratio of 5:1. The low proportion of females is similar to the trend for female lung cancer in Kingston & St. Andrew. A case of Warthin's tumour was studied by light and electron microscopy and immunoenzyme methods. The epithelial cells contained numerous mitochondria with stacked cristae, as previously descrebed. Similar morphology occurs in oncocytic tumours; riboflavin-dificient rats and mice; rats given non-lethal doses of hypoglycin; dogs treated with annatto extracts; and hibernating or starving frogs. The mitochondrial changes may be anadaptive response. The immunoenzyme studies utilized newly available monoclonalantibodies: UCHLI, L26, 4KB5, MT1 and LN2. The reaction patterns indicate a distribution of B and T cells in a manner expected in a lymph node. The interaction between mitochondrial changes adaptive metabolic pathways, the immune cells and tobacco raises some interesting questions

Toxicity of the hyperglycaemic-inducing extract of the Annatto (Bixa orellana) in the dog

The Annatto seed coat extract, which is commonly used in folklore in treating diabetes mellitus, has been investigated for its effects on blood sugar levels in the dog. An alkali-soluble hyperglycaemia-inducing fraction was detected, and detailed studies revealed toxic effects in the pancreas and liver accompanied by hyperglycaemia and apparent tendency to increased insulin levels. The toxicity was diminished by feeding riboflavin. The relevance of this finding points to a possible aetiological role in the development of amlnutrition-related diabetes mellitus and also to the potential toxicity inherent in the widespread use of folklore medicines