Trends in colorectal cancer in the Caribbean: A population-based study in Martinique, 1982-2011

We aimed to describe incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer, and temporal trends between 1982 and 2011 in Martinique (French West-Indies).

This was a descriptive, longitudinal, observational study based on data from the Martinique cancer registry. The study included all incident cases of colorectal cancer between 1982 and 2011. We recorded sociodemographic data and clinical variables (histology, site according to the WHO classification). Cancer cases were recorded in strict conformity with the international standards. Annual rate of change was calculated, direct standardisation was used for incidence and mortality age standardised rates (ASR). The comparative incidence figure and comparative mortality figure (95% confidence intervals) were calculated.

In total, 2530 patients were included in our study; 1243 died. In the period 2007-2011, a considerable increase in incidence was observed, making colorectal cancer the second leading cause of cancer deaths in both sexes (8.9% and 10.5%). In men, ASR for incidence increased from 9.6/100,000 person-years in the period 1982-1986 to 27.2/100,000 person-years in the period 2007-2011, with a notable acceleration of the increase. In women, ASR increased from 8.4 to 19.8/100,000 person-years over the same periods. For the latest period 2007-2011, mortality rates were 9.9 and 7.6/100,000 person-years for men and for women respectively. Regardless of the sex, there was a strong increase in the incidence of right colon cancer, which became the most common colorectal site in women in Martinique.

Our findings confirm the increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer that started in the 2000s. Trends observed reflect a salient epidemiological transition of the Caribbean.