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Cancer incidence in Malaysia
National Cancer Institute Monograph
|November 1, 1979
Summary
Cancer incidence in Malaysia was analyzed using biopsy data from 1969-71. Significant ethnic variations were found for various cancers, including nasopharyngeal and lung cancers, highlighting disparities in cancer risk among different ethnic groups.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Malaysia lacks a population-based cancer registry.
- Biopsy series serve as the primary source for cancer incidence data.
- Understanding cancer patterns is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of cancers by body site, sex, and ethnic group in Malaysia.
- To compare leading cancer sites with data from the Singapore Cancer Registry.
- To identify ethnic variations in cancer risk.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of biopsy records from the Division of Pathology, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur (1969-1971).
- Comparison of cancer site frequencies with data from the Singapore Cancer Registry.
- Calculation of relative risk values for 21 cancer sites across ethnic groups.
Main Results:
- Cancer frequencies were determined by body site, sex, and ethnic group.
- Significant differences in relative risk were observed among ethnic groups for 21 cancer sites.
- Notable ethnic variations were found for cancers of the nasopharynx, larynx, lung, bone, skin, cervix, ovary, prostate, penis, and lymphomas.
Conclusions:
- Ethnic background is a significant factor influencing cancer risk in Malaysia.
- The findings underscore the need for targeted cancer prevention and control strategies for different ethnic populations.
- Establishing a comprehensive cancer registry in Malaysia is recommended for future epidemiological studies.