Morbidity from cancer in La Paz, Bolivia

Data from a population-based Cancer Registry in La Paz, Bolivia, are presented. The city is located at approximately 4,000 meters above sea level and has a strong cultural influence consisting of Aymará Indians immigrating from the altiplano. Incidence rates in females are high for cancer of the cervix, the gallbladder and the thyroid gland. Males display unusually high rates of testicular cancer. Stomach cancer rates are lower than among other Andean populations. Smoking-related cancer and cancers related to sex-hormones are lower than average in incidence. Cancer of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses is unusually high in frequency.