Cancer Distribution Pattern in the City of Kenitra, Morocco (2017-2022): A Pathology-Based Study.

Background

Cancer epidemiological surveillance is essential for implementing an effective prevention policy. In Morocco, only two population-based cancer registries (Rabat and Casablanca), along with a limited number of local studies, provide data on cancer incidence. This report aims to describe the pattern of cancer incidence rates in the region of Kenitra.

Methods

This was a pathology-laboratory-based retrospective and descriptive study of all newly diagnosed cancers in public and private pathology laboratories in Kenitra between January 2017 and December 2022. Data on gender, age, and cancer locations were collected from medical records. Statistical analysis was limited to descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, crude incidence rates, and age-standardized rates.

Results

2,682 cancer cases were recorded, with 1,535 males (57.23%) and 1,147 females (42.77%). The female-to-male ratio is 0.74. The median age at diagnosis was 59 (55 for females and 62 for males). The crude incidence rate was 254 per 100,000 population (291 per 100,000 for males and 217 per 100,000 for females). The overall age-standardized rate (ASR) was 283 per 100,000 (162 per 100,000 for males and 120 per 100,000 for females). The leading cancers among males were prostate (34.31%), bladder (19.27%), skin (13.54%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (5.34%), stomach (3.97%), lung (3.84%), and colon (3.84%). The leading cancers among females were breast (27%), skin (15%), cervix (8%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (5%), thyroid (5.49%), uterus (5%), and stomach (3.83%).

Conclusion

Our study is the first to explore the occurrence of cancers in the city of Kenitra. The high rates of bladder and skin cancer in this area warrant further epidemiological studies to identify etiological factors, develop control programs, and formulate prevention strategies.