6484 new cases of cancer have been registered in
Mauritius during 1997-2001 corresponding to Age-Standardized
Incidence Rates (ASR world) of 99.9 per 100,000 in men and 121.1 per
100,000 in women. The commonest sites of cancer in men were colorectal
cancer (9.5%) followed closely by oral cavity & pharynx (9.4%)
and prostate (8.8%). In women breast cancer was, by far, the main site
(28%, ASR 31.7) ahead of cervical cancer (11.7%) and colorectal
(5.7%) and leukaemias (4.7%). Comparisons with figures from
neighbouring countries show much lower rates in Mauritius for both
sexes.