International Union for Circumpolar Health Ministry of Public Health and Social Development of RF Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences Medical Polar Fund “Science” The Northern Forum

Abstracts

Environmental health

OBJECTIVES: Alaska Native (AN) women have demonstrated different patterns of incidence for cancers of the breast, uterus, ovary, and cervix from the US all races estimates. We examined the effects of time period and birth cohort as determinants of incidence trends for these cancers for the period 1969-2003.

STUDY DESIGN: This is an observational, population-based study.

METHODS: Cancer incidence data for AN women are from the Alaska Native Tumor Registry, 1969-2003. Population data for AN are based on NCHS census data and Indian Health Service intercensal estimates. Data for US Whites (USW) are from the NCI SEER program. Age-adjusted incidence rates with 95% confidence intervals were compared. Log-linear regression models were used to assess the relative impact of age, time period, and birth cohort on cancer rates. RESULTS: AN women experienced a linear increase by year of diagnosis of 201% for invasive breast cancer compared to 41% for USW women. Uterine cancer for AN women increased 215 percent, but declined 20% among USW women. There was no significant trend overall for ovarian cancer among AN women. Rates for USW women declined a significant 13 percent across the study period. Age-adjusted rates for cervical cancer declined 79 percent from their highest point. Among USW women, rates showed a steady decline of 53 percent during the study period. There was a significant linear decrease in cervical cancer rates by period of diagnosis.

CONCLUSION: Increases in breast cancer may be due to a combination of modifiable behaviors; increased BMI, increased tobacco use, and a shift to a non-traditional diet. Increases in uterine cancer could be associated with increased BMI and diabetes. Ovarian cancer rates have not changed significantly across the study period. Cervical cancer rates which used to be higher among AN than in any other US subgroup, have declined to USW levels. This decline is likely due to screening and control efforts on the part of AN healthcare providers.

Note. Abstracts are published in author's edition

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Last update: 06-Jul-2012 (11:52:05)