Cancer incidence in the Republic of Mauritius- 5 Years Review 1997 to 2001

6484 new cases of cancer have been registered in Mauritius during 1997-2001 corresponding to Age-Standardized Incidence Rates (ASR world) of 99.9 per 100,000 in men and 121.1 per 100,000 in women. The commonest sites of cancer in men were colorectal cancer (9.5%) followed closely by oral cavity & pharynx (9.4%) and prostate (8.8%). In women breast cancer was, by far, the main site (28%, ASR 31.7) ahead of cervical cancer (11.7%) and colorectal (5.7%) and leukaemias (4.7%). Comparisons with figures from neighbouring countries show much lower rates in Mauritius for both sexes. Keywords: Health, Cancer, Incidence Internet Journal of Medical Update Vol. 1 (1) 2006: pp. 7-1