The first 2 years of the Gambian National Cancer Registry

We describe the creation, and the first 2 years experience, of the Gambian National Cancer Registry. The major problems involved in the creation of such a registry in a developing country are discussed. The data accumulated show a low overall rate of cancer incidence compared to more developed parts of the world and indicate that the prevalent cancers, hepatoma, carcinoma of the cervix and lymphoma, are likely to be due to infectious agents. It is hoped that immunisation of children under one year against hepatitis B will drastically reduce the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma.