Trends of cancer incidence in Bulgaria for the period 1964-1980.

Levels of cancer incidence in Bulgaria have been examined by sex, overall and for ten prevailing lesion sites, as recorded over the period 1964-1980. Using linear regression, steady trends of standardized morbidity have been ascertained. The findings indicate rising frequencies for overall malignant disease, as well as for lung cancer in males, breast cancer, cancer of the uterine body and of the ovary, cancer of the prostate, cancer of the urinary bladder, and malignancies of the lymphatic and blood-forming tissues. Stabilization is noted for incidence of cervical cancer and lung cancer in females, and cancer of the larynx in males; decline is observed for stomach cancer and skin cancer in both sexes, and for lip cancer in males. Defining of the magnitude and the dynamic changes in morbidity level and structure provides for more purposeful orientation in long-term planning and in developing complex programs for cancer control.