Introduction:

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer in the world, with a 9% net survival rate in 5 years. Although the understanding of its pathophysiology has improved, early detection options continue to be a challenge for global public health. This article describes the temporal trend of incidence and mortality in Quito, Ecuador, from 1986 to 2016, as well as the evolution of its diagnostic criteria.

Methodology:

Using data of the population-based Quito Cancer Registry, standardized annual incidence and mortality rates were calculated by age according to sex. The analysis included case distribution according to diagnostic basis. To estimate the average annual percentage change (AAPC), Joinpoint Regression Analysis was performed.

Results:

During the analysis period, incidence rate decreased from 3.8 to 3.5 cases in men (AAPC: -1.0; CI 95%: -1.9; -0.1) and remained stable in women. The mortality rate increased in women (AAPC: 1.3*; CI 95%: 0.2; 2.4) and remained stable in men. Over time, the proportion of histological verification has increased 109% in men and 76% in women.

Conclusions:

An improvement in the quality of information recording is evident; however, the proportion of histological verification is still low in Quito compared to the regional level. The study underscores the need to intensify efforts for adequate and timely diagnosis.

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