The Incidence of Malignant Neoplasms in Jamaica

Abstract

To determine cancer incidences accurately it is necessary to have adequate diagnostic facilities available to the population at risk, as well as demographic data on that population. The Jamaica Cancer Registry therefore restricts its activity to that region of Jamaica where these desiderata are fulfilled. Figures accumulated over a six-year period-1958-1963 inclusive-are now presented. FiG. 1.-The island of Jamaica; elevations above sea level are shown. Geographical data.-Fig. 1 shows an outline of Jamaica giving elevations above sea level, Fig. 2 gives details on the parishes served by the Cancer Registry; these data include rock types, rainfall, background gamma radiation in micro roentgen per hour. Some climatological data are grouped in Table I. Kingston is in the rain shadow of the Blue Mountains (peak 7430 ft high), where moist North East trade winds lose most of their water. Consequently TABLE I.-Climatological Data for Kingston* Temperature in degrees F. Mean Hottest monthly average Coolest ,. .. Annual range Highest ever Coolest ever Humidity Sunshine 79. Mean. .. 80%. Jan.-March 70-72% (Max.) 81. Highest month (Oct.) 84%. Sept.-Nov. 50-57% (Min.) 76. Lowest ,, (July) 76%. 5 97 50 * Average of readings over 33 years, 4 times daily, at elevation of 100 ft.

Breast cancer, lactation, and genetics

“…UttIey (1959UttIey ( ,1960 has reported Negroes of Antigua, B.W.I., as having from onehalf to one-third the mortality rates of Great Britain. Watler et al (1961) reported about the same rates among Jamaican Negroes as among whites in Ja- Farago (1963). viz.…”