Cancer Epidemiology in Cali, 60 Years of Experience

Background: The population-based Cancer Registry of Cali Colombia operates continuously since 1962, disseminating incidence information in the XI volumes of Cancer Incidence in Five Continents.

Aim: To describe the incidence and mortality rates for the period 2011-2020 and the changes in the trend of incidence rates (1962-2017) and mortality rates from cancer (1986-2020).

Methods: The Joinpoint model and the annual percentage change (APC) were used as summary measures of the changes in the trends of incidence rates (ASR-I) and mortality (ASR-M) standardized by age with the direct method.

Results: Trough 1988-2017 the ASR-I for all locations increased 0.4% annually (95% CI: 0.2, 0.6) in men and decreased annually 0.2% (95% CI: -0.3; -0.1) in women. The ASR-Is of cancers related to opportunity screening activities (prostate and breast) increased until the early 21st century and then decreased. The ASR-I of cancers related to infectious agents continue to decrease (cervix, vulva, and stomach). There is evidence of control of cancer related to tobacco consumption (lung, oral cavity, bladder). In both sexes, the ASR-I of thyroid, colorectal and lymphoma cancers increased and those of ovarian cancer decreased. Between 1984-2020 the ASR-M for all locations decreased annually 0.7% (95% CI: -0.9, -0.5) in men and 1.1% (95% CI: -1.3, -0.9) in women. For both sexes, ASR-M decreased for cancers of the esophagus, stomach, lung, bladder, lymphomas, and leukemias; and increased in colorectal cancer. The ASR-M for cervical and prostate cancer decreased annually by 3.5% (95% CI: -3.9, -3.2) and 0.1% (95% CI: -0.5, -0.3), respectively.

Comment: This information allows the construction of some indicators to monitor the City Cancer Challenge initiative and the current 10-year plan for cancer control in Colombia, 2011-2021.