Cancer pattern in Bhutan (2014–2022): Findings from population‐based cancer registry—A pathway to monitor cancer control activities

Population-based cancer registry (PBCR) of Bhutan was established in Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) in 2014 with the support of the Ministry of Health (Bhutan) and IARC Regional Hub, Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai, India. This PBCR provides nationwide coverage (0.7 million population). We aim to present the cancer patterns in Bhutan for the years 2014-2022 using PBCR data. Trained registry staff collect cancer patient information by visiting various sources such as hospitals and diagnostic facilities. Data is entered into CanReg5 software. Data quality and consistency are checked by the IARC Regional Hub-TMC, Mumbai. The age-specific rate and age-adjusted rate were calculated using CanReg5 software. In the 9-year period (2014-2022), the PBCR registered 5906 incidence cancer cases, of which 2659 (45%) were males and 3247 (55%) were females. The age-adjusted incidence rate for males and females was 88.3 and 113.2 per 100,000 population, respectively. Age-adjusted mortality rates for males and females were 42.7 and 44.6 per 100,000 population, respectively. The leading cancer sites among males are stomach, esophagus, liver, lung, and rectum, and for females, cervix uteri, stomach, breast, lung, and thyroid. Cancer registry will play a pivotal role in boosting and monitoring screening program initiatives in Bhutan. Through effective linkages, it will build a robust database providing a cancer profile of the Bhutanese population which can be employed to devise effective cancer control activities in Bhutan.