Epidemiological differences in oral squamous cell carcinoma in New Zealand and fiji

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world and is a severely debilitating disease. The aim of this research was to compare demographic characteristics and risk factors of oral cancer in New Zealand and the Fiji Islands between 2000-2010. <h3>Methods</h3> The data were obtained from the Cancer Registries of NZ and Fiji, Medlab Dental Oral Pathology Diagnostic Services (University of Otago) and from the Histology departments at the three main referral hospitals in Fiji. <h3>Results</h3> There were 1916 cases of OSCC in NZ in the study period and 124 in Fiji, which accounted for 89% of all oral malignancies in NZ and 93% in Fiji. The annual age standardised incidence rate for New Zealand and Fiji was 4.2 and 1.3 per 100,000 persons, respectively. Similar numbers of males and females developed oral cancer in Fiji and their mean age was 57 years. In New Zealand, more men suffered from this disease (mean age of 63 years). Tongue cancer was the most common site of involvement in both countries. <h3>Conclusion</h3> There was a low prevalence of OSCC in Fiji compared to NZ. Tongue cancers were most common in both countries. Early detection and diagnosis is paramount to improve survival rates.