Trends of genitourinary cancer among Saudis

Introduction: Saudi Arabia has a low incidence of cancer; the age-standardized rate of cancer is only 83/100,000, compared to the world rate of 181/100,000. Recent reports confirm a yearly increase in cancer in general, and of genitourinary cancer (GUC) in particular. The aim of the study was to assess the trends of GUC among Saudi nationals.

Methods: All available annual reports of the Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR) from 1994 to 2006 were analysed and compared with worldwide data.

Results: Over a period of 13 years, 7132 GUCs were identified among Saudis, comprising 8.9% of all cancers reported, compared to 12.7% worldwide. The incidence rate of GUC increased over the study period, with the greatest increase in prostate and kidney cancers, at 48% and 33%, respectively. Summary stage data (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results programme) showed late presentation of GUC at the time of diagnosis. An improvement in stage was only found in testicular and prostate cancer, at 79% and 50%, respectively. While prostate and bladder cancer ranked sixth and ninth in the male population, penile cancer continued to be a rare disease.

Conclusions: The incidence of GUC in Saudi Arabia is still low, but there was a significant increase in prostate and kidney cancer. More effort is needed to detect GUC at an earlier stage. A national cancer control programme is suggested.