Analysis of the geographic distribution of the population with cancer in Montevideo
Abstract
To analyse pattern of geographic distribution of patients with any primary neoplasm in Montevideo, we examined data of cancer incidence for five years (1993-1997) provided by the National Cancer Record, Ministry of Health (Registro Nacional de Cáncer, Ministerio de Salud Pública, MSP).
Neighbourhoods were grouped according to geographic and lifestyle closeness, considering water supply and other services scarcity indexes. Five urban areas (coastal, central, eastern, northern and western) and three suburban areas were drawn.
Associations between variables were studied by means of descriptive and correspondence analysis. Results showed higher incidence of cancer in urban areas comparing to suburban areas.
The coastal and central areas were associated with high incidence of breast, prostate, colon and rectum cancer among people older than 65 years. Suburban areas showed lower incidence of any kind of cancer. Further studies need to be done to detect environmental and lifestyle factors associated with cancer.
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