Estimation of cancer incidence in Lebanon

Cancer incidence rate is an important indicator for policymakers seeking to establish a National Cancer Control Program in Lebanon. This rate is difficult to assess, however, in view of the absence of national health and vital statistics. Fragmentary data from 1984 were used to estimate the annual cancer case-load at 3,500 cases. For an estimated population of 3.29 million, this case-load yields an incidence rate of 106 per 100,000. This low rate has not varied much since the mid-60s, and is nearer to that of developing than of developed nations. Cancer incidence may however increase in the coming few years with the aging of the population, and increasing urban pollution, smoking and adverse diet changing.