Epidemiology of breast and gynaecological cancers in Poland

The epidemiological data on breast cancer and cancer of the female reproductive organs are presented in the light of data provided by the National Cancer Registry and the Warsaw Cancer Registry. Estimates say that cancer of the breast and the reproductive organs attacked 19,764 women in Poland, 1989, of whom 9,436 died. This number represents 41.2% of the total cancer incidence in women. The standardized incidence rates calculated for these cancers per 100,000 and arranged according to localization, were as follows: breast 34.4; cervix 19.5; ovary 12.4; corpus uteri 10.6. Mortality: breast 15.5; cervix 8.0; ovary 6.8; corpus uteri 2.5. Comparing with the average rates in EC countries, the risk in Poland of breast cancer was lower but was higher in cervical and uterine cancers. The risk of ovarian cancer was similar in Poland and the E.C. The relative 5-year survivals estimated for the years 1978-1982 in Poland were as follows: breast 49.3%; cervix 50.7%; and corpus uteri 66.1%, which was lower than in Switzerland, Finland, Australia, and USA (Caucasians); and similar in patients with ovarian cancer (35.1%). Particularly unfavourable 5-year survival rates were given for cancer of the breast and cervix in the rural areas. Unfavourable trends are observed in the control of the breast and cervical cancer in Poland which confirms inadequacy of the existing preventive programmes based on screening. According to estimates, the introduction of preventive measures could reduce cervical cancer mortality by 60% during 10 years and breast cancer mortality by 40% within 7 years, which means saving about 3,000 lives yearly.