Cancer incidence in the Ecuadorian Amazon: A retrospective study (1990–2019)

Abstract

Background There is a scarcity of cancer studies in the Amazon region. This study aimed to analyse trends in cancer incidence within the Ecuadorian Amazon between 1990 and 2019, identifying the most prevalent cancer types and assessing their provincial and temporal distribution. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the Quito population-based cancer registry, focusing on patients whose habitual residence was in the Amazonian provinces of Sucumbíos, Orellana, Napo, and Pastaza. Age- and sex-standardised incidence rates were calculated, employing Segi’s world standard population as the reference. Results A total of 4,881 cancer cases were identified, revealing a 357% increase in the number of recorded cancer cases from the first to the last study period. Among men, the most common cancer types were stomach, prostate, and non-melanoma skin cancers, whereas in women, cervical, breast, and thyroid cancers predominated. Notably, there was a particularly high increase in prostate and breast cancer cases. Conclusions The findings indicate an important increase in recorded cancer cases and age-standardized incidence rates in the Ecuadorian Amazon, highlighting the urgent need to enhance healthcare infrastructure and cancer registry systems in the region. Targeted prevention and early detection programmes tailored to the specific needs of this population are urgently needed.