Cancer in Lahore, Pakistan, 2010–2019: an incidence study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo study the cancer incidence rates over 10 years (2010–2019), in Lahore, Pakistan.DesignAn incidence study.SettingThe population-based Punjab Cancer Registry was established in 2005 in Lahore, which is the provincial metropolis of the province of Punjab (five rivers), and is located in the northeast region of Pakistan. The coordinating office of the Registry is located within Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center. Both the active and passive forms of data collection are used.ParticipantsResidents of the district of Lahore diagnosed with cancer. The average annual population of Lahore was estimated at 11.1 million.Outcome measuresCancer counts and incidence rates per 100 000 population, by age-group, sex and cancer site/type, over 10 years.ResultsIn Lahore, from 2010 to 2019, 58 394 incident cases were reported, with the majority seen in females (57.1%). Adults accounted for 92.2%, adolescents 2.2% and children 5.6% of the total cases. Per 100 000 population, the age-standardised incidence rate was 103.4 for females and 65.6 for males. Among females, the highest incidence rates were recorded for breast cancer (76.7) in adults, bone tumour (1.2) in adolescents and lymphoid leukaemia (1.6) in children, and among males, prostate cancer (10.7) in adults, bone tumour (2.2) in young adults and lymphoid leukaemia (2.4) in children. The age-specific incidence rates peaked in the 60–70 year group, reaching a high of 420 per 100 000 in women and 330 per 1 00 000 men.ConclusionsIn Lahore, the incidence rates for cancers of the breast, prostate, lymphoid leukaemia and bone were among the highest documented. More cases were recorded in females than in males. The results reported could be used as a reference point for assessing the effectiveness of future interventions.