Cancer in North Cyprus: 1. Current Status, An Overview

Abstract

This is the first of a two-part review dealing with cancer issues in North Cyprus (NC). Here we give an account of what is known about the cancer status of the island, which has been debated quite intensely over the years. From several independent reports, it is concluded that the epidemiology of cancer in NC has been steady around 200-230 per 100,000 for more than 20 years. This level is in line with the rest of Europe. Nevertheless, there are some potentially worrying signs. First, the age-standardized rate of some cancers (lung, skin, and liver) appears higher. Second, the average age of incidence is lower for breast and skin cancer in NC than in the rest of Europe. Relevant environmental factors of current interest that could contribute to these issues include the environmental levels of potentially carcinogenic heavy metals (e.g., arsenic, cadmium and lead) and the levels of vitamin D in the population. The particular case of the copper mines in the Lefke region is also covered. We conclude that (i) the overall cancer status of NC is broadly comparable to the rest of Europe, (ii) continuous monitoring of epidemiology is necessary, and (iii) research is needed into the possible cause(s) of cancer, especially environmental factors.