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Tshetiz Dahal,
Kaveri Thapa,
- *1 General Physician and Clinical Researcher, Department of Medicine and Surgery Lugansk State Medical University, Lypnia St. Rivne,, Ukraine
- 2 Associate Professor and Senior Consultant,, Department of Dermatology, Helen Lepcha Sikkim government medical college, Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital,, Gangtok, Sikkim
Abstract
Background: Cancer incidence in India shows marked regional variation due to differences in ethnicity, lifestyle, environmental exposure, and healthcare access. Sikkim, a small Himalayan state with unique demographic characteristics, has been covered by a Population- Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) under the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), yet detailed analytical interpretations remain limited. Objectives: To conduct an in-depth epidemiological analysis of cancer incidence in Sikkim using PBCR data, examining site- specific patterns, age–sex distribution, and potential etiological and health-system determinants. Methods: Secondary analysis of published PBCR data (2003–2008) from Sikkim was performed. Crude incidence rates (CR), age-adjusted incidence rates (AAR), proportional site distribution, and age-specific trends were analyzed. Comparative interpretation with national estimates from NCRP, GLOBOCAN, and IJMR projections was undertaken. Descriptive statistical analysis and epidemiological inference were applied. Results: A total of 2,211 cancer cases were registered, with females exhibiting a higher AAR (99.4/100,000) than males (89.4/100,000). Leading cancers in males were stomach (15.0%), oesophagus (10.0%), and lung, while cervical cancer (11.7%) and breast cancer (9.1%) dominated female incidence. Upper gastrointestinal malignancies constituted a disproportionately high burden compared to national averages. Cancer incidence increased sharply after 45 years of age. Ethnic variation suggested higher incidence among Bhutia and Rai populations. Conclusion: Cancer patterns in Sikkim differ significantly from mainland India, emphasising cervical, gastric, and oesophageal cancers. Targeted screening, lifestyle interventions, and strengthening regional oncology infrastructure are urgently required.
Keywords: Cancer epidemiology; Population-based cancer registry; Sikkim; Incidence; India
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International Journal of Pathogens
| Volume | 03 | |
| 02 | ||
| Received | 30/06/2026 | |
| Accepted | 02/07/2026 | |
| Published | 20/07/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 20 Days |