Cancer in Faisalabad and Nankana Sahib, Pakistan: 2017–2019; An Observational Study

INTRODUCTION: The Punjab Cancer Registry’s catchment area includes the districts of Faisalabad and Nankana Sahib. It is an observational and descriptive study that covers the 3 years from 2017 to 2019, evaluating the distribution of cancer in these two districts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on incident cancer cases diagnosed between 2017 and 2019 among residents of Faisalabad and Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, reported by the participating centres of the Registry, were reviewed retrospectively. Figures and proportions for adults, children and adolescents were computed. RESULTS: During 2017 and 2019, 5678 cases were reported from Faisalabad and 390 from Nankana Sahib, with over 50% seen in females. In both districts combined, among adult females, cancers of the breast, reproductive system, and hepatobiliary system were commonly diagnosed, while cancer of the lip/oral cavity/pharynx, hepatobiliary system and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were the leading diagnoses among adult males. In children and young adults (0–19 years), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were the most common diagnoses. CONCLUSION: The cancer distribution reported from Faisalabad and Nankana Sahib is of utmost importance. However, the underreporting of cancer cases cannot be ruled out. More input from the collaborators is needed to ensure the completeness of cancer surveillance in the region.