Cancer incidence in the districts of Dir (North West Frontier Province), Pakistan: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND Pakistan has a high incidence of cancer. The most severely affected province is the North West Frontier Province, which has districts of low socioeconomic status such as those in Dir. The purpose of this study was to analyze the cancer registry record of patients from the districts in Dir in order to obtain a net cancer incidence for use in proposing future health plans. METHODS The medical records of 1,105 patients registered at the Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine in Peshawar were traced. Information regarding age, gender and affected sites were obtained. RESULTS The incidence of cancer increased, with a mean incidence of 15.04 per 100,000 in 2000-2004. Of the 1,105 patients, 62% were male and 38% were female. The most affected female age groups were 41-50 and 51-60; while males in the age groups of 51-60 and 61-70 had the highest risk. The leading cancers were lymph/blood, and cancers of the digestive system, skin and breast. CONCLUSION The increasing trend of cancer in Dir is alarming. Since this study was a preliminary investigation, it could provide a leading role in prevention, treatment and future planning regarding cancer in Pakistan.