Aids and cancer in Africa: the evolving epidemic in Zimbabwe

Background: Zimbabwe is severely affected by the AIDS epidemic, and many ca ncers in African populations are related to infectious agents. Objective: To study the current pattern, and short-term changes in incidenc e, of cancers related to infectious agents land especially to HIV), with re spect to the evolving epidemic of AIDS. Methods: Analysis of data on the African population of Harare, Zimbabwe, fr om the Zimbabwe Cancer Registry, for the period 1990-1995. Comparison with data on prevalence of HIV seropositivity, and notifications of AIDS. Results: Comparing results from 1993-1995 with those for 1990-1992 shows a continuing increase in the incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma with a doubling of the rates in both men and women. A dramatic increase in the incidence of s quamous cell tumours of the conjunctiva was also observed, as well as a sig nificant increase in the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in women. Ther e was no apparent increase in risk for Hodgkin's disease, myeloma, liver ca ncer, or cancer of the cervix. Conclusions: The AIDS epidemic has had a dramatic effect on the profile of cancer. The changes in incidence involve several cancers previously linked to AIDS in North America and Europe. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins .