Cancer in Seychelles: A Population-Based Study on Incidence, Trends and Stage at Diagnosis (2005-2024)

Seychelles, the smallest country in Africa but with the highest GDP per capita, has experienced rapid socioeconomic development. We analysed 20-year cancer incidence trends (2005-2024) using data from the Seychelles National Cancer Registry (SNCR). Annual age-standardised incidence rates (ASRs), average annual percentage changes (AAPCs), and stage at diagnosis (for the four major cancers) were calculated. Incidence rates for the most recent decade (2015-2024) were also compared with those in selected African countries and high Human Development Index (HDI) countries. Among men, prostate cancer had the highest incidence (ASR 73.9 per 100,000) and increased significantly over time (AAPC +6.7%), reaching an ASR of 90.3 per 100,000 in 2015-2024. Significant declines were observed for oesophageal (AAPC -4.3%) and laryngeal cancers (AAPC -5.6%). Among women, breast cancer was the most common cancer (ASR 54.7 per 100,000), increasing by 3.4% annually and reaching an ASR of 70.5 per 100,000 in the most recent decade, comparable to rates in Europe. Significant increases were also observed for colorectal, cervical, and corpus uteri cancers. The observed trends reflect Seychelles' epidemiological transition, with a shift from infection-related cancers towards cancers associated with ageing and lifestyle factors, resembling the cancer profile of high-income countries. Nevertheless, the major cancers-prostate, breast, colorectal, and cervical-continue to be diagnosed at relatively advanced stages, highlighting the need for improved early detection and timely diagnosis.