Surveillance of oesophageal carcinoma in southern Thailand in 1988.

The lower subregion of the south of Thailand has an overall higher incidence and mortality associated with oesophageal cancer than does the upper subregion. The increased incidence in the lower south is more marked among females than among males, but the male/female incidence ratio in the lower subregion is still high (3.7:1). There is evidence also of an increased incidence in the eastern provinces compared with that in western provinces. Available data on occupation and district of residence provide no clues to the cause of the distinct geographic pattern of incidence within the southern region.