Trends in cancer incidence and mortality in Manizales, Colombia, 2008-2017

To describe cancer incidence and mortality trends in Manizales, Colombia, between 2008-2017.

All incident cancer cases in Manizales collected by the Population-based Manizales Cancer Registry between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2017, and all deaths caused by cancer in the same period, were included. The population at risk was obtained from the National Administrative Department of Statistics databases. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were calculated by sex and cancer site. Changes in trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression.

There were 11,188 incident cases, 56.7% in women. There were 4,996 cancer deaths, 52.6% in women. Breast, prostate, stomach, thyroid, lung, and colon cancers accounted for 50% of all incident cases. During this period, the incidence in women decreased and equaled that of men due to a significant decrease in cervical, stomach, and lung cancers, among others; likewise, mortality in women decreased slightly due to the reduction in deaths from cervical, stomach, esophagus, and connective tissue cancers. In contrast, in men, overall incidence and mortality remained unchanged.

In Manizales, population aging has contributed to an increased burden of cancer. In terms of incidence and mortality, progress in the fight against this disease is still discrete. It is a priority to reinforce cancer control strategies with a differential approach by sex.