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Cancer in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia: A retrospective study (1987-1995).
1Departments of Medical Oncology, and Histopathology, King Fahd Specialist Hospital, Buraidah, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Annals of Saudi Medicine
|March 6, 2007
Summary
Cancer patterns in Saudi Arabia show regional variations. Lymphomas and esophageal cancer are common, with thyroid and breast cancer prevalent in females, and lymphomas in children.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cancer patterns exhibit significant regional variations across Saudi Arabia.
- Understanding these regional differences is crucial for targeted public health interventions and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological patterns of cancer in the Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.
- To identify common malignancies and compare findings with national cancer trends.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1106 new cancer cases diagnosed between January 1987 and December 1995.
- Data collection from King Fahd Specialist Hospital in Buraidah, Al-Qassim.
- Categorization of cancers by type, age group, and sex.
Main Results:
- Lymphomas (non-Hodgkin's and Hodgkin's) were the most frequent malignancy (15.10%), followed by esophageal carcinoma (7.77%).
- Thyroid cancer (12.50%) and breast cancer (9.48%) were most common in females.
- The pediatric age group (<50 years) constituted the majority of patients (77%), with lymphomas being the most common malignancy in children (0-14 years).
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia was the most frequent hematological malignancy (36.23%).
Conclusions:
- The cancer profile in Al-Qassim largely mirrors national trends but shows a higher incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL), esophageal, and thyroid carcinomas.
- These findings highlight specific regional variations in cancer epidemiology within Saudi Arabia.
- Further research into the etiological factors behind these regional variations is warranted.
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