Introduction: Cancer is a multifactorial, polygenic complex genetic disease arising from a series of somatic mutations. The etiology for many cancers may arise spontaneously or chemical action of either endogenous or exogenous agents' mutation in genes that usually belong to classes of caretaker, gatekeeper, or landscaper.

Aim of the Study: This study aimed to determine the incidence and prevalence and pattern of distribution of different cancer types in Lokoja with the goal of extending current knowledge on cancer occurrence in lokoja.

Materials and Methods: The source of data was Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja. A desk review of the level of occurrence and pattern of distribution of different cancer types in Lokoja over a 5 year period (2013- 2017) was carried out.

Results and Discussion: Between 2013 and 2017, 111 cancer cases were registered in Kogi specialist hospital Lokoja, Kogi state. Frequency analysis revealed that prostate cancer was the commonest cancer accounting for (41.4 %), followed by ovarian cancer (24.4%), breast cancer (17.1%), leukaemia (6.3%), skin cancer (4.5%), liver cancer (4.5%), cervical cancer (1.8%) and stomach cancer (0.9%). There were significant differences (P = 0.05) in the level of occurrence between cancers of the prostate, ovary, breast, leukaemia, skin, liver, cervix, and stomach. While some cancers are strictly sex specific, the overall incidence of cancer is nevertheless considered broadly similar in both sexes. This is evident in the ratio of the incidence in male and females (1:1.06 respectively). The prevalence of cancer increases with age, as the age bracket between 40 and 80 recorded higher prevalence.

Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings of this study provide insights to cancer epidemiology in Lokoja Kogi State Nigeria. This study confirms earlier findings that prostate, ovary, breast and cervical cancers account for the majority of cases of cancers in Nigeria. Consequently, there is need to inaugurate extensive acceptable methods for early detection of these diseases especially in rural communities.