Cancer incidence and mortality in Antigua/Barbuda

An inquiry into the incidence and mortality of malignant neoplasms in Antigua/Barbuda was undertaken to document the magnitude of the disease. The top ranking cancers diagnosed in 114 males were skin (26.3 percent), prostate (22.8 percent) and upper respiratory and alimentary tract (10.5 percent). In 130 females, the 3 main cancers were breast (23.1 percent), cervix uteri (22.3 percent), and skin (15.3 percent). The main cancers causing death were stomach (22.3 percent ) and prostate (17.8 percent) in 157 males; and breast (18.2 percent) and cervix uteri (14.1 percent) in 149 females. Imprecise documentation, insufficient clinico-pathological correlation and the finding of advanced cancers underscore the need for a cancer registry and cancer society in Antigua/Barbuda. (AU)