Deadly trinity: Buai, tobacco and alcohol, biggest causes of cancer in PNG

A quarterly report   issued  by the National Cancer Registry at Angau Hospital in Lae says the combination of  betelnut chewing, smoking and alcohol remains the biggest cause for cancers in Papua New Guinea.

The report, covering September to December 2024, highlights critical areas for intervention and offers a glimpse into advancing treatment facilities in the nation.

During the last quarter of 2024, Angau Hospital registered a total of 252 new cancer cases. The data reveals a significant gender disparity, with females accounting for nearly 69% of all cases, while males made up just over 31%. Geographically, Morobe Province recorded the highest number of cases, making up 41.2% of the total, followed by the Highlands and Momase regions.

The report underscores that common cancer types are cervical, head and neck, and breast cancers. When looking at risky behaviors, betelnut chewing stands out as the most significant factor for both genders, with males showing a higher prevalence. The combination of smoking, betelnut, and alcohol consumption also contributes substantially to cancer cases.

Age and Gender Trends:

The data shows a concerning trend regarding age and gender distribution. The 40-59 age group is the most affected, with a significant number of cases. In this age bracket, female cases are almost double those of males, reflecting the high incidence of cervical and breast cancers. For younger individuals aged 0-19, cancer incidence is much lower. However, there’s a sharp rise in cases, particularly among females, in the 20-39 age group, which is likely due to the prevalence of cervical and breast cancers.

When examining specific cancer types by gender, the report confirms that cervical cancer is the most common among females, with 47 recorded cases, and it exclusively affects women. Breast cancer is the third most common and also affects only females. For males, head and neck cancers are the most frequently diagnosed, accounting for a majority of those cases.

Challenges in Data and Cancer Diagnosis:

A key finding from the report points to significant data gaps. A considerable number of cases lack information on the patient’s age or region, suggesting a need for better record-keeping and data collection during patient interviews. Furthermore, a concerning 70% of cases were diagnosed at late stages (III or IV), highlighting the need for improved early detection efforts. While 35% of cases had confirmed lab reports, 60% relied on a clinical diagnosis alone.

Advancements in Treatment and Prevention:

Despite the challenges, there is positive news regarding treatment facilities. Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital is currently equipped with a Cobalt-60 Teletherapy Machine and a Brachytherapy Machine for radiation therapy. These machines use different forms of radiation to target and treat various cancers, with the brachytherapy machine being particularly effective for cervical cancer.

Looking ahead, the National Cancer Centre is set to enter a new era of treatment. By 2026, Papua New Guinea will have two cancer centers to better serve patients, with Port Moresby building a new facility and Angau soon acquiring a more precise Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine.

In terms of prevention, efforts are underway to combat cervical cancer through HPV vaccination and screening. While current information on nationwide HPV vaccination is limited due to funding, the Morobe Province has seen positive momentum.