[Trends in the incidence and death from cancer from 1989-2003 in The Netherlands]

Abstract

Objective: To provide insight into the changing nature and size of the cancer burden within The Netherlands.

Design: Retrospective.

Method: Data on incidence and death relating to various forms of cancer are calculated on the basis of registered data concerning the incidence (Netherlands Cancer Registration; NCR) of and death (Statistics Netherlands) from cancer in the Netherlands from 1989 until 2003.

Results: From the start in 1989 up to 2003, more than one million new cases of cancer were registered with the NCR. The total number of new patients with a primary tumour increased from 56,335 in 1989 to 73,188 in 2003 (30%). The most frequently occurring tumours in 2003 were of the breast, colon, lung and prostate. The age standardized incidence rate for males and females combined, increased from 381 per 100,000 in 1989 to 400 per 100,000 person years in 2003 (+5%). There was an increase in breast, prostate, skin and oesophagus cancer, and also lung cancer in females. Major decreases were seen in lung cancer in males, as well as stomach, ovary and gallbladder cancer. The number of cancer deaths in the Netherlands increased from 35,420 in 1989 to 38,454 in 2003 (+8%). The age and sex standardized mortality rate declined from 234 per 100,000 in 1989 to 201 per 100,000 in 2003 (-14%).

Conclusion: Despite a slight increase in the incidence of cancer and an increase in mortality from lung cancer (in females), oesophageal cancer and melanomas, the death rate from cancer has dropped considerably. The changes in incidence and mortality may be explained by changes in lifestyle in the 1970s and 80s, in particular use of tobacco and alcohol. Also early detection and screening programmes have resulted in an increase in the incidence of tumours with a better prognosis, which has led to a decrease in mortality. The downward trend in mortality was also influenced by treatment-improving prognoses.