WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Mohammed Shakir Fashal, Baseem Ali Hussein and Aamir Sabr Oudah

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth, the ability to invade adjacent tissues and distant organs, and eventual death if the tumor progresses beyond a stage when it can be successfully removed. The research compares two residential neighbourhoods in Samawah—one exposed to Cement Factory pollution and one not—to determine cancer rates. To assess whether Samawah Cement Factory pollution increases cancer risk. Method: This study was conducted in Samawa city, Iraq over a 4-month period in 2012 and compares cancer occurrences and related deaths in two residential areas over a 9-year recall period (2003-2011). The first area is close to a cement factory and potentially affected by pollution, while the other is farther away and less likely to be affected. A total of 643 families were studied in the factory area and 688 families in the comparison area. The data was collected using a questionnaire that gathered information on family and individual characteristics, including cancer development and deaths. Results: This study compared two residential areas near a cement factory in Samawa city, Iraq. One area was close to the factory and potentially affected by pollution, while the other was farther away. The majority of individuals studied were adults aged 15-64 years, with a majority being married and having completed primary schooling. 69.2% of the new cancer cases reported during the 9-year recall period had died, with higher case fatality in the factory area (76.0%) compared to the comparative area (63%). 70.2% of the families had lived in their current place for more than 10 years, with 63.8% owning their houses and 26.4% renting. Children under 15 years old made up 40.7% of the total population. Conclusion: This research examined the risk of cancer in cement-exposed adults. Cement Factory emissions did not increase cancer risk. Even without such data, a tiny influence is possible. The research also found that Al-Muthanna's cancer incidence rate is underreported.

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