Site distribution and incidence rates of cancer in Alexandria, Egypt: thirty-year experience [1972-2001]

ABSTRACT

Information on the size and nature of the cancer problem is essential in planning of cancer control programs and development of etiological hypotheses. In Egypt, cancer registry is an important informative source for cancer incidence. Alexandria Cancer Registry is a hospital-based cancer registry covering all the governorate. During 1972-2001, 76,028 cases were accessioned into the registry and stored on the computer using the ICD-9 code. In males [37,851 cases], cancer of the urinary bladder accounted for 15.2% of all cancers, lymphatic and hematopoietic tissues were 19.3%, brain and nervous system were 9.2%, digestive system and peritoneum were 17.7%, respiratory system was 14.4%, oral cavity and pharynx were 5%, skin was 2%, bones were 2.5%, soft tissue was 1.9%, and breast was 1.6%. In females [38,177 cases], breast cancer accounted for 40.9%, urinary bladder was 3.4%, genital organs were 10%, oral cavity and pharynx were 2.7%, lymphatic and hematopoietic tissues were 11.9%, brain and nervous system were 6.6%, digestive system and peritoneum were 10.3%, skin was 1.1%, soft tissue was 1.6%, bones were 1.7% and respiratory system was 3.3%. Incidence rates were calculated for total cancers and for each type of cancer separately in each year of the studied period. Total cancer incidence rates showed increase in cancer incidence by-4 fold in 2001 compared to cancer incidence in 1972. Breast cancer incidence increased-6.6 fold. Digestive organs and peritoneum cancers increased -3.6 fold, while lymphatic and hematopoietic increased -7.9 fold