Cancer in Solomon Islands 1970-82

An analysis of the pathology reports of cancer at the Central Hospital, Honiara, Solomon Islands from 1970 to 1982 revealed that skin cancer, lymphohaemopoietic malignancy, cancer of the digestive organs and oral cancer were the most common cancers in males, and that cancer of the genito-urinary organs, skin cancer, breast cancer and lymphohaemopoietic malignancy were the most common cancers in females. Leukaemia and lymphoma were the most common cancers diagnosed in children. Although this is a selected series, there are definite similarities with cancer data reported from Papua New Guinea, and significant differences from patterns of cancer reported from Australia. Cancer of the mouth and liver appear to be more common in Solomon Islanders, and cancer of the large bowel and lung less common compared with Australians. These differences probably relate to the effect of different environmental agents. The present prospects for prevention and control of cancer in Solomon Islands is discussed.