Cancer Status in Chile 2000 – 2010

Abstract

The epidemiological situation of the mortality in Chile in the year 2010 shows that cancer ranks second among death causes. Cancer rates in Antofagasta (29.0%), Coquimbo (26.2%), Valparaiso (25.5%) and Metropolitan (25.1%) regions are higher than the country average (24.6%). In addition, in Arica and Parinacota, and Antofagasta, cancer is the first cause of death, with 22.4% and 29.0%, respectively. Data of six more prevalent cancers (2008 to 2010): Stomach, Breast, Prostate, Lung, Bladder and Colon along the country. In Valparaiso and from Maule to Magallanes there are rates of Stomach cancer higher than the national average. The rate of Prostate cancer is higher than the national average in Valparaiso and from Maule to Los Ríos. In relation to Lung cancer the regions of Arica and Parinacota, Antofagasta, Atacama, Valparaiso, Metropolitan of Santiago and Aisén present rates higher than the national rate. In summary, the Valparaiso region presents rates of cancer higher than the average of the country in 13 of 16 cancers analyzed in this document, following by Los Ríos with 12 and finally Aisén with 9. According to the epidemiological profile and causality relationships for cancer in Chile, we suggest that public health recommendations for cancer prevention should consider, besides limitation of alcohol/drinking and restriction of the smoking habit, additional simple but effective recommendations to address general problematic, as for example those suggested by the WHO. Furthermore, it is important to do epidemiological and clinical studies that incorporate environmental and dietary factors of our country and genetics in the specific regions where some cancers have major prevalence.