[Prevalence and geographic distribution of cancer in the health area of Guadalajara].

BACKGROUND

The total cancer prevalence falls within the range of 2%-3% of the population. Some data suggests differences in terms of whether the environment is urban or rural, other geographical factors and in the area surrounding nuclear power plants. This study is aimed at ascertaining said prevalences and the distribution thereof in the different geographical areas of the Guadalajara Healthcare District.

METHODS

Point prevalence study in 1999 based on a systematic review of cases at primary and secondary sources in the Guadalajara Health District, including invasive malignant tumors among individuals over age 14. The overall and specific distribution in terms of the place of residence, region and proximity to nuclear power plants is analyzed, raw and adjusted prevalences/100,000 inhabitants and CI 95% prevalence index.

RESULTS

A total of 2,717 cases were detected (raw prevalence: 2034.6/10(5)), there being a 50%-50% ratio between the urban and rural environments. The adjusted prevalence (worldwide population) is 1295.2/10(5), being greater in the urban environment (1479.9/10(5)) than in the rural environment (1136.3/10(5)). With regard to the geographic regions, solely thyroid cancer is more prevalent among women in the most depressed, mountainous areas, although involving a low-level casuistic.

CONCLUSIONS

The cancer prevalences found are similar to those published and, following an age-based adjustment, are greater in the urban than in the rural environment. The differences among regions are related to the demographic and geographical characteristics and to the environment being urban.