Aim:

The incidence and mortality of bladder cancer has increased in some regions of the world. However, the epidemiological profile of this neoplasia is largely unknown in Panama and Costa Rica. Therefore, the aim of this study was to report the incidence, mortality, and severity of this disease during years 2007 to 2013.

Methods:

An epidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted between 2007 and 2013 with all incident and mortality cases of bladder cancer in Costa Rica and Panama. The annual incidence and mortality rates for each country, and according by sex were estimated based on the annual population estimates. The incidence/mortality ratio was estimated as a measure to evaluate the severity of the pathology.

Results:

A total of 2048 cases of bladder cancer were included. During the last 3 years of the study period we detected an increased in incidence and mortality rates, predominately in males.

The incidence rate increased from year 2007 to year 2013 in 42.3% and 71.4% in Costa Rica and Panama, respectively. During the same period the mortality rate also increased 25.9% in Costa Rica and 44.7% in Panama. The incidence/ mortality rate had a steady behavior during the study period.

Conclusion:

These findings confirm a growing trend in the incidence and mortality rates of bladder cancer in Costa Rica and Panama.