Breast cancer incidence in the city and province of Palermo in 1999-2002 - A breast cancer registry report

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of breast cancer in women from the city and province of Palermo (Sicily) in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002, using a population-based cancer registry approach. In recent years, a sharp increase of breast cancer incidence has been observed worldwide. Overall, direct age-standardized incidence rates (SIR) were 81.0 per 100,000 person-years, higher in Palermo City (89.4) than in Palermo Province (70.4). Results reported here show a highly significant difference in breast cancer incidence in different areas of Sicily, particularly in the youngest age groups; and a profound difference between the metropolitan area of Palermo and the surrounding areas. The evidence of the different breast cancer incidence in Palermo City and in the other small municipalities of Palermo Province suggests a different cancer risk pattern that seems to be related to recent changes in lifestyle and diet.