An epidemiological survey of bladder cancer in Jamaica - abstract

ABSTRACT

A retrospective analysis of 121 patients with bladder carcinoma seen at the University Hospital of the West Indies between 1979 and 1987 was done. The group was divided histologically into transitional cell (108, 89 per cent) and squamous cell (13, 11 percent). Transitional cell tumours were significantly commoner in males squamous cell carcinoma was relatively more common in females. These findings could be related to the prevalence of lower urinary tract obstructive uropathy in the aging male and the higher incidence of chronic urinary tract infection in females. The age distribution was similar to most other malignancies peaking in the 7th decade although some transitional cell tumours were found in younger patients. A diet high in fats may be significant in the aetiology of both groups of tumours although this may be more important in the aetiology of the squamous cell type. Sixteen percent of the transitional cell group worked with or came into regular contact with petroleum products, fertilizers or paints. The incidence of both types of bladder tumours were significantly higher in city dwellers (AU)