New data tells us more about cancer incidence in North Africa

Over the last few years, Cancer Registries in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt) increased in number from one to nine, and now covers 13% of the total regional population. Their data can be considered of good or acceptable quality, according to available indicators. The pattern of risk shown by these Registries is quite unique. The total cancer burden in North Africa countries is between one third and one half of what is observed in Europe. The overall incidence rate in men (world age standardised, per 100,000) ranges from 86.3 in Setif, Algeria, to 156.1 in Garbiah, Egypt. The range is similar in women: from 80.3 in Setif to 164.0 in Algier, both Algeria. The case mix and the level of rates are quite homogeneous in the countries considered. The most frequent cancers are the same as in Europe (Lung, Breast, Prostate). This pattern completely differs from that of Central and Southern Africa countries, where infection-related cancers are predominant. The well-known excess risk for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in this area is confirmed, with rates reaching the level of 5.4 in men and 1.9 in women, which is 10 times higher than in Europe. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.