Changes in cancer incidence patterns among a northeastern American Indian population: 1955-1969 versus 1990-2004.
OBJECTIVE
This manuscript examines shifts in patterns of cancer incidence among the Seneca Nation of Indians (SNI) for the interval 1955-1969 compared to 1990-2004.


METHODS
A retrospective cohort design was used to examine cancer incidence among the SNI during 2 time intervals: 1955-1969 and 1990-2004. Person-years at risk were multiplied by cancer incidence rates for New York State, exclusive of New York City, over 5-year intervals. A computer-aided match with the New York State Cancer Registry was used to identify incident cancers. Overall and site-specific standardized incidence ratios (SIRs = observed/expected x 100), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated for both time periods.


RESULTS
During the earlier interval, deficits in overall cancer incidence were noted among males (SIR = 56, CI 36-82) and females (SIR = 71, CI 50-98), and for female breast cancers (SIR = 21, CI 4-62). During the more recent intervals, deficits in overall cancer incidence persisted among both genders (males SIR = 63, CI 52-77; females SIR = 67, CI 55-80). Deficits were also noted among males for cancers of the lung (SIR = 60, CI 33-98), prostate (SIR = 51, CI = 33-76) and bladder (SIR = 17, CI = 2-61) and among females for breast (SIR = 33, CI = 20-53) and uterus (SIR = 36, CI = 10-92). No cancer sites demonstrated increased incidence. Persons ages 60-69 years, 70-79 years, and ages 80+ years tended to exhibit deficits in overall incidence.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite marked changes over time, deficits in overall cancer incidence have persisted between the time intervals studied. Tribal-specific cancer data are important for the development and implementation of comprehensive cancer control plans which align with local needs.
Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA. martin.mahoney@roswellpark.org
Martin C
MC
Mahoney
Puthiery
P
Va
Adrian
A
Stevens
Amy R
AR
Kahn
Arthur M
AM
Michalek
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult