Cancer incidence in Caucasians living in the Pacific Basin.

Abstract

Variations in cancer incidence among whites in 1973-77 in 8 geographic areas of the Pacific Basin were compared. Substantial differences were found for the occurrences of lung cancer, cancer of the corpus uteri, and malignant melanoma. White women living in New Zealand and Australia had the lowest risk of developing lung cancer, whereas white men living in the western United States had the highest risk. Cancer of the corpus uteri occurred more commonly in the western United States than elsewhere in the Pacific Basin. Geographic areas located closest to the equator experienced the highest incidence of malignant melanoma. In all areas, the incidence rates of cancers of the lung and corpus uteri and malignant melanoma increased significantly between 1960-66 and 1973-77; after the mid-1970s, rates of cancer of the corpus uteri declined. The incidence of stomach cancer decreased in all areas. Although cervical cancer decreased in incidence over time for most women, it increased noticeably in young women. The incidence of breast cancer also rose during the 17-year period. In at least 1 geographic area, the observed increases in breast cancer incidence were confined to women under age 40.