A cancer rate survey in Ibadan, Western Nigeria, 1960-63

Abstract

The methods employed in a cancer rate survey in Ibadan, Western Nigeria, have been described. The incidence of malignant disease in Ibadan is similar to that recorded in the United States until the age of 50 years in males and 20 years in females. Over these ages malignant disease is much less common in the Nigerian. Particular attention is drawn to the actual fall in cancer incidence in the elderly in Ibadan which appears to occur a decade or two earlier than it does in the United States non-white population. The incidence of four of the most common tumours occurring in Ibadan (carcinoma of breast, cervix, liver and stomach) has been compared with the recorded incidence in the United States white and non-white populations. We are most grateful to the British Empire Cancer Campaign for Research who supported the salary of one of us (C. M. U. Maclean) and made this investigation possible. Grateful acknowledgement must also be made to the medical and nursing staff in the University College and Adeoyo Hospitals for their forbearance and cooperation over the years. To the Medical Records Department and Medical Illustration Unit we are also specially indebted. Professor J. Knowelden gave most valuable advice at the commencement of this investigation and to him also we are grateful. © 1965, The British Empire Cancer Campaign for Research. All rights reserved.