Malignant disease of the gastro-intestinal tract in blacks. Incidence and frequency distribution by age, sex and site at Ga-Rankuwa Hospital, Pretoria, 1976-1986.

The pathology records of Ga-Rankuwa Hospital for the years 1976 - 1986 were studied in respect of the numbers of gastro-intestinal malignant diseases diagnosed. Some tumours were seen more frequently in recent years, i.e. carcinoma of the oesophagus, stomach, colon and rectum. Whether this increased occurrence represents a true increase in this type of malignant disease is not proven. In comparison with other hospital reports, carcinoma of the oesophagus is very common and is certainly showing no decrease.