Retinoblastoma in Uzbekistan.

Retinoblastoma incidence and mortality rates associated with age, sex, and ethnic background between 1978 and 1999 have been studied. Statistical analysis of normal and standardised incidence rates was performed on 972 patients. For 21 years, annual retinoblastoma incidence for both sexes has increased. There was no difference in cumulative retinoblastoma incidence between males and females. Among all ethnic groups living in Uzbekistan, the highest retinoblastoma incidence occurred among Tartars and Uzbeks who frequently marry their family members. There was no difference in mortality of males and females. Over a 5-year period from the moment of diagnosis, almost every third child with retinoblastoma died of metastases. Most of retinoblastoma cases were represented by patients with late diagnosis. Before 1978, there was no information in Uzbekistan about the number of patients with malignant eye tumours, including retinoblastoma.