A STUDY ON PANCREATIC-CANCER IN CHENNAI (MADRAS), INDIA

A total of 299 pancreatic cancer (PC) cases were registered in Chennai during 1982-1993 with an age-adjusted incidence rate (AAR) of 1.0 per 100000. The present study shows an increasing trend in the risk of PC with an increase in the literacy level among males (P < 0.001). The r elative survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were 35.7, 14.4 and 6.1%, r espectively. Age at diagnosis, sex, religious group and literacy level did not emerge as significant prognostic factors for survival from PC . It is reiterated that emphasis should be placed on primary preventio n of pancreatic cancer as opposed to early detection, by controlling t he use of tobacco. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.