The article provides an assessment of the dynamics of cancer incidence and mortality in the territory of Aktobe city for the period 2000-2010. The most common cancers were found in the lungs, stomach, esophagus and breast throughout the period, with slight increase in colon cancer and decrease in esophageal cancer being apparent. In an attempt to cast light on effects of environmental pollution, the authors also compared data on total emissions of chemicals into the air. While preliminary, the findings provide a basic picture of cancer burden in this industrialised city in Kazakhstan which should be followed up by more comprehensive monitoring.