Renal cell cancer in Israel: Sex and ethnic differences in incidence and mortality, 1980-2004

Jalal Tarabeia, Dorit Nitzan Kaluski, Micha Barchana, Rita Dichtiar, Manfred S. Green

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The causes of renal cell cancer (RCC) remain largely unexplained. While the incidence is generally higher in men than in women, little has been reported on ethnic differences. We examine trends in RCC incidence and mortality rates among Israeli Arab and Jewish populations and compared with the rates in other countries. Methods: Age-adjusted RCC incidence and mortality rates in Israel, during 1980-2004, were calculated by sex and population group, using the National Cancer Registry. They were compared with the United States based on the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results [SEER] program and the IARC database for international comparisons. Results: While RCC incidence rates in Israel are similar to the United States and the European average, the rates are significantly higher among Israeli Jews than Arabs. Men are affected more than women. Incidence rates over the last 24 years have increased among all men and Jewish women, but not among Arab women. Among men, the incidence rate ratio for Jews to Arabs declined from 3.96 in 1980-1982 to 2.34 in 2001-2004, whereas for women there was no change. The mortality rates were higher among Jews than Arab and among men than women. There were no significant change in the mortality rates and rate ratios. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate marked ethnic differences in RCC in Israel. The lower incidence among Arabs stands in contrast to the higher prevalence of potential risk factors for RCC in this population group. Genetic factors, diet and other lifestyle factors could play protective roles.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)226-231
Number of pages6
JournalCancer Epidemiology
Volume34
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2010
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This study was supported by the Stanley Steyer Institute for Epidemiology and Research, Tel Aviv University, Israel.

Funding Information:
This study was supported by the Stanley Steyer Institute for Epidemiology and Research , Tel Aviv University, Israel.

Funding

This study was supported by the Stanley Steyer Institute for Epidemiology and Research, Tel Aviv University, Israel. This study was supported by the Stanley Steyer Institute for Epidemiology and Research , Tel Aviv University, Israel.

FundersFunder number
Stanley Steyer Institute for Epidemiology and Research , Tel Aviv University
Stanley Steyer Institute for Epidemiology and Research, Tel Aviv University

    Keywords

    • Epidemiology
    • Incidence
    • Kidney and renal cancer
    • Mortality

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