Showing papers by "Donald Maxwell Parkin published in 1993"

Estimates of the worldwide incidence of eighteen major cancers in 1985.

Abstract: The annual incidence rates (crude and age-standardized) and numbers of new cases of 18 different cancers have been estimated for the year 1985 in 24 areas of the world. The total number of new cancer cases (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) was 7.6 million, 52% of which occur in developing countries. The most common cancer in the world today is lung cancer, accounting for 17.6% of cancers of men worldwide, and 22% of cancers in men in the developed countries. Stomach cancer is now second in frequency (it was slightly more common than lung cancer in 1980) and breast cancer—by far the most important cancer of women (19.1% of the total)—is third. There are very large differences in the relative importance of the different cancers by world area. The major cancers of developed countries (other than the 3 already named) are cancers of the colon-rectum and prostate, and, in developing countries, cancers of the cervix uteri, mouth and pharynx, liver and oesophagus. The implications of these patterns for cancer control, and specifically prevention, are discussed. Tobacco smoking and chewing are almost certainly the major prevent able causes of cancer today.

Estimates of the worldwide mortality from eighteen major cancers in 1985. Implications for prevention and projections of future burden

Abstract: This report presents worldwide estimates of annual mortality from all cancers and for 18 specific cancer sites around 1985. Crude and age-standardized mortality rates and numbers of deaths were computed for 24 geographical areas. Of the estimated 5 million deaths from cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer), 56% occurred in developing countries. The most frequent neoplasm is lung cancer, accounting for 22% of cancer deaths in men. Among women breast cancer is the leading malignancy, accounting for 16% and 11% of all cancer deaths in developed and developing countries, respectively. In developing countries, cancer of the cervix uteri ranks first, breast cancer second. The second most frequent cause of death from cancer in both sexes is cancer of the stomach, followed by liver cancer in men and by colon/rectum cancer in women. Cancers of the colon/rectum and prostate maintain a high rank in men living in developed countries, while cancers of the lung, ovary and pancreas occupy similar ranks among women. In developing countries, cancers of the oesophagus and mouth/pharynx follow those previously mentioned in both sexes. If the estimated rates continue to prevail, increases in the numbers of deaths of 20.4% in developed and 18.1% in developing countries are expected by the year 2000, simply as a consequence of demographic trends towards ageing and population growth. Our results provide an indication of the potential impact of preventive practices. It is estimated that 20% of all cancer deaths (1 million) could be prevented by eliminating tobacco smoking. Mortality from cancers of the liver and uterine cervix, both major problems in developing countries, could be substantially reduced by immunization against hepatitis B virus infection and early detection through Pap smears, respectively.

Cancer in Kampala, Uganda, in 1989–91: Changes in incidence in the era of aids

Abstract: Re-establishment of the cancer registry in Kyadondo County, Uganda, has allowed estimation of incidence rates for the period September 1989 to December 1991. The results are compared with earlier data from the same area, and from other African cancer registries. The most striking feature is the emergence of Kaposi's sarcoma as the leading cancer in males (almost half of all registered cases) and the second most frequent (17.9%) in females. This parallels the evolution of the epidemic of AIDS. There were also marked increases in the incidence of both oesophageal and prostatic carcinoma, while the incidence of cancer of the penis and the urinary bladder declined, possibly as a result of improved standards of hygiene. In females, the incidence of cancer of the cervix has more than doubled since the 1950s, and is now among the highest recorded in the African continent.

Cholangiocarcinoma: epidemiology, mechanisms of carcinogenesis and prevention.

Abstract: Cholangiocarcinoma is a relatively rare cancer; worldwide it accounts for an estimated 15% of liver cancers. In most areas, the etiology is rather obscure, and identified risk factors such as hepatolithiasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and exposure to Thorotrast can account for only a small proportion of cases. In certain areas of southeast and eastern Asia, however, incidence rates are very high, and here there is a strong association with infection with the liver flukes Clonorchis sinensis and Opisthorchis viverrini. The mechanisms of carcinogenesis in O. viverrini infection have been the subject of considerable research; it seems that the presence of parasites induces DNA damage and mutations as a consequence of the formation of carcinogens/free radicals and of cellular proliferation of the intrahepatic bile duct epithelium. Preventive strategies in areas endemic for liver flukes appear straightforward, but breaking the cycle of infection has proved difficult in practice.

International variations in the incidence of childhood bone tumours.

Abstract: Bone cancers comprise about 5% of childhood neoplasms. Osteosarcoma, the most common sub-type, shows a somewhat irregular geographic pattern of incidence, with low rates in some Asian (Indian, Japanese, Chinese) and Latin American populations. Incidence is similar in the sexes and rises steeply with age, accompanied by an increasing proportion of tumours localized in the long bones of the legs. Rates in the USA are higher in blacks than in whites, as a result of a higher incidence at ages 10 to 14 and of tumours of the leg bones. The descriptive epidemiology is consistent with early observations linking risk to the amount of bone growth. Ewing's sarcoma is rare in black populations (USA and Africa) and in eastern Asia. Compared with osteosarcoma, a lower percentage of tumours is localized to the long bones, and incidence rises less steeply with age and is accompanied by an increasing proportion of pelvic tumours. Chondrosarcoma is a rare cancer in children (less than 5% of bone cancers), with an age distribution similar to that of osteosarcoma and a sub-site distribution resembling that of Ewing's sarcoma. Little is known of the aetiology of these tumours; there is clearly a strong genetic predisposition in Ewing's sarcoma but, although the proportion of osteosarcoma cases of genetic origin seems to be small, environmental determinants so far suspected can account for only a small fraction of the total cases.

Cancer mortality in immigrants from the Near East in Australia

Abstract: A differential mortality study shows that in Australia, between 1969 and 1983, Near Eastern migrants had a lower cancer mortality than the local-born, and that their cancer profile resembled that of the other mediterranean migrants in Australia. Compared to local-born, Near Eastern migrants were characterized by: (1) a lower mortality from oesophagus and colon cancers, and from melanoma, in both sexes, from prostate cancer in men borne in males, from ovary and bladder cancers in females; (2) a higher mortality from liver and thyroid cancers in males, and from stomach and gallbladder cancers in females. The analysis by country of birth indicates a higher mortality from lung and bladder cancers in men born in Turkey, a lower mortality from lung cancer in men born in Syria or Lebanon, and a lower mortality from breast cancer in women born in Syria or Lebanon. These differences are interpreted in the light of the available information on dietary habits and reproductive behaviour of Near Eastern migrants in Australia.