Cancer Patterns in Odisha - An Important Mining State in India

Background: Odisha, a populous state and a major mining belt in India has high levels of environmental carcinogens. There is no population-based cancer registry in Odisha, thus giving no opportunity to develop systematic studies on important regional carcinogens. This paper highlights current patterns of cancer as seen at Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre (AHRCC), and provides the first opportunity to determine the most important research questions that could drive cancer control programs in Odisha. Methods: The analysis included all patients diagnosed and admitted with cancer at AHRCC, Cuttack, Odisha between January, 1st and December, 31st, 2012. Patient data were extracted from inpatient records, investigation reports and from in-patient registers and admission registers maintained by the Medical Records Department. Relevant information on diagnosis, primary site and demographic data were retrieved. Results: There were a total of 4811 patients, with a mean age of 47.5 ± 15.5 years, 44% males. The most common cancers among males were oral (14%), gastric (13%) and lung (10%) cancers. For females, among the most common cancers were breast (26%), cervix (21%), ovary (11%) gastric (5%) and gall bladder (3.7%). Seven percent of our cancer patients were aged ≤ 20 years. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and brain tumors were most common in this age group. Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest that particular attention be given to high prevalence cancers as import ant areas of research for risk factors and cancer control in Odisha.