Cancer in Canada: an epidemiological perspective

Abstract

The incidence of cancer has risen steadily over the past 20 years, with a percentage increase per year of 1.3 in males and 0.5 in females. In 1980 the incidence was 333 per 100,000 in males and 259 per 100,000 in females. Over age 45, the incidence of cancers of the larynx and lung increased in both sexes, as did that of cancer of the prostate in males. The incidence of melanoma and other skin cancer is also rising in both sexes. Although the incidence of cervical cancer among women aged 35 and over fell during the decade 1970-80, the incidence among younger women increased. The trends over time and the regional differences in incidence are generally in keeping with what is known (and what is not known) about the etiology of cancer.