Volker Winkler1, Bernd Holleczek2, Christa Stegmaier2, Heiko Becher3. 1. University Hospital Heidelberg, Institute of Public Health, Unit of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany. Electronic address: volker.winkler@urz.uni-heidelberg.de. 2. Saarland Cancer Registry, Präsident Baltz-Straße 5, D-66119 Saarbrücken, Germany. 3. University Hospital Heidelberg, Institute of Public Health, Unit of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract
AIM: To investigate cancer incidence patterns among ethnic German migrants (Aussiedler) from the Former Soviet Union, a large migrant group in Germany, in comparison to autochthonous Saarland population over a 20 year observation period. METHODS: Data were obtained from a cohort of Aussiedler residing in the federal state of Saarland (n=18,619). Cancer incidence and vital status were ascertained through record linkage with the Saarland Cancer Registry and local population registries. RESULTS: During the follow up period from 1990 to 2009 we observed 638 incident diagnoses of malignant neoplasms (except non-melanoma skin cancer). The overall standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was 0.98 (95% confidence interval 0.92, 1.04). However, site-specific SIRs revealed great variation. Stomach cancer incidence was significantly higher among Aussiedler. Lung cancer was elevated for males, but lower among females. Additionally, diagnoses for colorectal cancer among males were significantly lower. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) over time show not all cancer rates of Aussiedler attenuate as expected to Saarland rates. For example, lung and prostate cancer incidence rates show increasing disparity from Saarland rates and female breast cancer incidence develops in parallel. Furthermore, ASR for overall cancer incidence of Aussiedler shows a yearly decrease (p=0.06) whereas Saarland rates remain stable. DISCUSSION: Aussiedler incidence rates reflect incidence pattern observed in their countries of origin.
AIM: To investigate cancer incidence patterns among ethnic German migrants (Aussiedler) from the Former Soviet Union, a large migrant group in Germany, in comparison to autochthonous Saarland population over a 20 year observation period. METHODS: Data were obtained from a cohort of Aussiedler residing in the federal state of Saarland (n=18,619). Cancer incidence and vital status were ascertained through record linkage with the Saarland Cancer Registry and local population registries. RESULTS: During the follow up period from 1990 to 2009 we observed 638 incident diagnoses of malignant neoplasms (except non-melanoma skin cancer). The overall standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was 0.98 (95% confidence interval 0.92, 1.04). However, site-specific SIRs revealed great variation. Stomach cancer incidence was significantly higher among Aussiedler. Lung cancer was elevated for males, but lower among females. Additionally, diagnoses for colorectal cancer among males were significantly lower. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) over time show not all cancer rates of Aussiedler attenuate as expected to Saarland rates. For example, lung and prostate cancer incidence rates show increasing disparity from Saarland rates and female breast cancer incidence develops in parallel. Furthermore, ASR for overall cancer incidence of Aussiedler shows a yearly decrease (p=0.06) whereas Saarland rates remain stable. DISCUSSION: Aussiedler incidence rates reflect incidence pattern observed in their countries of origin.
Authors: Anna Lindblad; Simone Kaucher; Philipp Jaehn; Hiltraud Kajüter; Bernd Holleczek; Lauren Lissner; Heiko Becher; Volker Winkler Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-12-09 Impact factor: 3.390