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

ABSTRACT

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 percent), stomach (10.9 percent) and lung (10.7 percent). In females 24.1 percent of cancers occurred in breast and 20 percent 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. (AU)