Cancer occurrence in developing countries.

Abstract

Knowledge of the geographical distribution of cancer remains incomplete. The preferred measures of occurrence are incidence and mortality rates, but in countries where this information is unobtainable alternative sources of data must be found. This work presents material from hospital or pathology-based registries serving a single center or region for 73 populations in 43 developing countries, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. Standardized tables give the distribution of cases by sex, age and site, each accompanied by a description of the registry, the sources of data, and the bias of selection. Age-standardized cancer ratios as well as crude and age-standardized incidence rates are given where possible. The enormous diversity of patterns revealed will cause much fruitful speculation over causes of cancer and possibilities of prevention.