Original Research Articles
Oral cancer burden in Sri Lanka- 2005 to 2019: does it differ with site and sex?
Authors:
Upuli Perera ,
Ministry of Health, LK
About Upuli
National Cancer Control Programme
Achini Jayathilake,
Ministry of Health, LK
About Achini
National Cancer Control Programme
Mekala Fernando,
Ministry of Health, LK
About Mekala
National Cancer Control Programme
Thanuja Wickramathunga
Ministry of Health, LK
About Thanuja
National Cancer Control Programme
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Oral cancer is the commonest cancer among Sri Lankan males for decades.
Objectives: To analyze the incidence trends and patterns of oral cancer in Sri Lanka between 2005 and 2019.
Methods: Data on oral cancers were obtained from National Cancer Registry Sri Lanka from 2005 to 2019. Trend analysis was performed with join point software, on the age-standardized oral cancer incidence rates to examine the trends in relation to sex, age group category and the anatomical sites over a 15-year period.
Results: Data of a total of 31919 oral cancer patients (males = 24982, 78.3%; females = 6937, 21.7%) were analyzed. The age‐standardized incidence rate (ASR) has increased over 15-year period in both sexes. The proportional increase in incidence was higher for males [1.9-fold increase with ASR: 9.8 to 18.9, AAPC of 5.38 (95% CI: 4.1-6.7)] than females [1.55-fold increase with ASR: 2.9 to 4.5, AAPC of 3.1 (95% CI: 1.8-4.5)] (p <0.001 for trend). An increasing trend in ASRs was detected for all age categories. The rate was higher in less than 40 years age groups in both sexes (AAPC of 6.5 (95% CI:3.3-9.8) in males; AAPC of 7.8 (95% CI 3.4- 12.4) in females (p <0.05). An increasing trend was detected in all three types according to anatomical sites and in both sexes with a higher proportional increase in lip cancers (AAPC 10.5 (95% CI: 5.9-15.3) in males; 6.9 (95% CI: 1.5-12.6) in females (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The incidence of oral cancer in Sri Lanka has shown an increasing trend with a greater proportional rise in males. Therefore, structured prevention, screening and early detection programmes have to be planned to reduce the burden of oral cancer in Sri Lanka.
How to Cite:
Perera, U., Jayathilake, A., Fernando, M. and Wickramathunga, T., 2022. Oral cancer burden in Sri Lanka- 2005 to 2019: does it differ with site and sex?. Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka, 27(5), pp.114–124. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jccpsl.v27i5.8435
Published on
13 Jul 2022.
Peer Reviewed
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