Analysis of Cancer Incidence and Mortality in the Industrial Region of South-East Siberia from 1991 through 2010

Kemerovo is an industrial region of the Russian Federation characterized by highly developed mining,chemical, metallurgical and power industries. Many of the factories were closed down due to the socioeconomicalcrisis in the early 90’s, and economic potential of the survivors has also decreased significantly. Paradoxically,this has led to the improvement of the ecological situation in the region and elimination of exposure to manychemical carcinogens. This factor, in combination with the improvement of oncological care, might be expectedto have lead to a decline of cancer incidence and mortality in the region. To assess trends of cancer incidenceand mortality in Kemerovo Region, we therefore carried out an analysis of relevant epidemiological data during1991-2010. In fact, a significant increase of cancer incidence overall was revealed during 2001-2010. Male cancerincidence was significantly higher than female cancer incidence. Regarding gastric cancer incidence, statisticallysignificant differences during 2001-2010 were found only for men, and male incidence exceeded female incidence.Concerning colorectal cancer incidence, it was lower during 2001-2005 and 2006-2010 as compared to the periodof 1991-1996. Lung cancer incidence was significantly higher during 1991-2000 compared to 2001-2010. Amongurban populations, cancer incidence was higher in comparison with rural population, but a gradual steadyconvergence of trends of cancer incidence among urban and rural populations was noted. Lung cancer, breastcancer, colorectal cancer, non-melanoma skin cancer, and gastric cancer are the most prevalent cancer forms inKemerovo Region. There were no differences in cancer mortality between 2001-2005 and 2006-2010; however,male cancer mortality exceeded female cancer mortality. A similar situation was observed for gastric cancer,colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. Cancer mortality among urban populations exceeded mortality among ruralpopulation, for both genders. We suggest that these data can be used for development of modern programs ofcancer prevention and early diagnostics in industrial regions of Siberia.