Publication:

Pattern and magnitude of various cancers registered at regional cancer centre of a tertiary care institute in north India

Background Epidemiological information on cancer including the pattern is an important basis for determining the priorities for cancer control in any population group. There are marked differences in distribution of cancers in different regions of the world. Present study was conducted to study the pattern and magnitude of cancer patients that are being treated at a regional cancer centre (RCC).

Methods Retrospective data of all cancer patients registered between the year 2008 to year 2011 was retrieved from RCC data base and individual patient files. Diagnoses of various cancers were based on histopathology, cytology, bone marrow aspirates, peripheral blood counts or a relevant tumor marker, as appropriate. Results were presented in the form of percentages and proportions. All incidence rates were expressed as Average annual ones per 100,000 populations.

Results A total of 11213 patients of various malignancies were registered at regional cancer centre with an annual average of 2803 cases. Overall carcinoma oesophagus (14.70%) was the most common cancer followed by lung cancer (12.2%). Stomach was the third most common cancer (8.6%). Among men Lung cancer (17%) was the commonest while in women it was cancer oesophagus (15.31%).

Conclusions Oesophageal cancer is the most predominant form of cancer found in Kashmir. The colorectal cancers are quite common in Kashmir valley that too in younger age group (15-34year) both among males and females. Lower rate of cervical cancer among women which is just 1.45% of all cancers found among females.