The Malabar Population-based Cancer Registry (MPBCR), released by the Malabar Cancer Centre (MCC) at Thalassery here on Saturday, shows that the incidence of lung cancer is high in the region as compared to the other regions.
The MPBCR released by Health Minister K.K. Shylaja shows that lung cancer accounts for 19% of cancer incidences reported in the Malabar region, while the world average of lung cancer is 16.7% and it is 11.3% in India. The registry shows that a total of 8,154 cases of cancer were registered in Kannur, Kasaragod and Mahe during 2014. Of these, 5,773 cases were incidences and 2,381 mortality.
The increased rate of lung cancer cases highlights the urgency of campaign against tobacco use, oncologists at the MCC said. The high incidence of breast cancer in the region should also be examined, they said.
Steps should be taken for early detection of cancer as treatment at early stages would ensure better survival rate and quality of life, they pointed out.
The registry records that tobacco-related cancer (TRC) is 39% in males and 12.7% in females in the region. It shows a visible change in the instances of cancer in north Kerala. While cases of thyroid cancer and prostate cancer are high in South Kerala, stomach cancer cases are high in north Kerala.
Speaking at the function, Ms. Shylaja said the preparation of the registry was a major step in cancer research. Similar registries should be prepared in all district as it would help the government analyse the region-wise incidences. She said the government had created 105 new posts for oncology wings in government hospitals. A major cancer centre was also being set up in Kochi, she added.
Thalassery MLA A.N. Shamseer presided.