Pattern of cancer in Jammu region (hospital based study 1978-'87).

2681 histologically confirmed cases of cancer (1402 males and 1279 females) were seen during the ten year period 1978 to 1987 in Pathology Department, Government Medical College, Jammu. The relative frequencies of cancer at various primary sites have been determined with respect to age, sex and religion. The majority of cancers were seen between 31-60 years (67.7%) with a peak in 41-50 years age group. Out of the total cancer patients 2,437 were Hindus (90.8%) and 244 were Muslims (9.2%). The most common cancer sites among males were lung, skin, larynx, prostate and lymphnodes. Cancer cervix was the most common tumor in females, followed by cancer breast, gall bladder and uterus. Among Muslims, cancer cervix and penis were infrequent. Cancer lung and larynx were also relatively less frequent in Muslims.