MALIGNANT DISEASES IN BASRAH: EVIDENCE OF INCREASED RISK

By: Basrah Cancer Research Group

Participating researchers

Jawad K Al-Ali¹,  Omran S. Habib², Janan G. Hasan³, Wassan M Al-Elwi⁴ , Anmar AM Saihood ⁵ &

Zeki AJ Al-Faddagh ⁶

ABSTRACT

Background: Cancer is a major health problem all over the world. It is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries and a growing problem in developing countries. Growing evidence suggests that cancer is rising in Basrah. However, available reports and research papers published so far are inadequate to provide solid evidence on cancer increased risk or not.

Objectives: In this paper we attempted to show some evidence on such rising.

Methods: The data used were obtained from various sources and for various years and carefully verified to ensure reasonable credibility for the results. The Results: The results showed increase in incidence rates and mortality rates of cancer in Basrah compared with previous years. In addition, the results showed that the incidence rate of cancer among females in Basrah was among the highest in Western Asia countries neighbouring Iraq. These results are part of a large-scale research project and represent only preliminary figures.

Conclusions: Complete evidence on rising time trend in cancer risk depends on adequate cancer registration which is badly needed in the near future. Important risk factor for cancer can be identified and quantified by careful analytical epidemiological studies.

¹(MRCP), Consultant Physician and Oncologist, Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital, Basrah. Member of Iraqi Cancer Council

²(PhD), Professor of Epidemiology and Health Care, Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Basrah. Member of Iraqi Cancer Council

³(ACPP), Assistant professor and Paediatrics Oncologist, College of Medicine, University of Basrah

⁵(FICMS), Pathologist. Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital, Basrah

⁶(FACMS), Consultant Physician and Oncologist, Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital, Basrah.

⁷(FACMS), Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Basrah