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Home > Cancer Incidence in Wales 1992-2001

Cancer Incidence in Wales 1992-2001

Publication Date - December 2002

The Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit (WCISU) has published Cancer Incidence Statistics for the period 1992-2001 on December 13th 2002. The previous report covered the years 1989-1998. In common with most cancer registries, WCISU has reported on the main cancer sites (26) separately together with the summary category of all malignancies but excluding the non-melanoma skin cancers. Each chapter provides both quick summary statistics and more detailed information regarding cancer incidence in Wales. Age standardised rates for Wales are shown separately for the years 1992-2001. Trends are plotted. A bar chart is used to compare rates for 1992-2001 between the 22 Unitary Authorities in Wales, together with maps of relative risk. Comparisons are made with the latest available European figures, EUCAN 1997. Over the period 1992-2001 there were on average 14,700 new malignancies per year registered amongst people living in Wales. Around 1 in 8 males and 1 in 6 females can expect to develop cancer before the age of 65yrs, the lifetime risk being about 1:3. The most common cancer sites in males are lung, prostate and colon, and in females, breast, lung and colon. Lung cancer incidence reflects smoking prevalence and the industrial areas of Wales have higher rates. Whilst lung cancer is definitely decreasing in males, there is as yet little sign of a reduction in females. In fact in association with increased use of PSA testing, since 1999 prostate rates are higher than lung cancer. Breast cancer incidence continues to be higher in the rural West and North West of Wales. It appears that cancer rates in Wales in 1997 are higher than the UK average for both males and females. This reflects past statistics. The reasons for this inequality are not yet fully understood but it is likely to have something to do with lifestyle and diet. This publication was updated in May 2003, revised mid-year population estimates used.