Aids and cancer in Africa: the evolving epidemic in Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND

Zimbabwe is severely affected by the AIDS epidemic, and many cancers in African populations are related to infectious agents.

OBJECTIVE

To study the current pattern, and short-term changes in incidence, of cancers related to infectious agents (and especially to HIV), with respect to the evolving epidemic of AIDS.

METHODS

Analysis of data on the African population of Harare, Zimbabwe, from the Zimbabwe Cancer Registry, for the period 1990-1995. Comparison with data on prevalence of HIV seropositivity, and notifications of AIDS.

RESULTS

Comparing results from 1993-1995 with those for 1990-1992 shows a continuing increase in the incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma with a doubling of the rates in both men and women. A dramatic increase in the incidence of squamous cell tumours of the conjunctiva was also observed, as well as a significant increase in the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in women. There was no apparent increase in risk for Hodgkin's disease, myeloma, liver cancer, or cancer of the cervix.

CONCLUSIONS

The AIDS epidemic has had a dramatic effect on the profile of cancer. The changes in incidence involve several cancers previously linked to AIDS in North America and Europe.