WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Aamir Sabr Oudah, Mohammed Shakir Fashal and Abdulkhuder Maktof Rahi

ABSTRACT

This retrospective study analyzed cancer cases in Al-Muthana governorate, Iraq, from 2004-2008, totaling 1113 cases and 107 deaths. The annual incidence rate showed slight fluctuations, ranging from 33.1/100000 in 2005 to 40.7/100000 in 2006. The occurrence of cancer increased with age for both sexes, with higher rates observed in males, except in the 25-59 age group where females were more affected. Compared to Iraq and surrounding countries, Al-Muthana had lower age-standardized incidence rates. Leading cancers included lung, breast, bladder, leukemia, lymphoma, brain, larynx, and colon-rectum, with a higher incidence in Al-Samawa district. The majority of female cancer patients were housewives, while privately employed men had higher percentages. The highest cancer death rates were seen in the 45-64 age group, with leukemia as the leading cause. Breast cancer accounted for 14.7% of female cancer deaths. Most cancer deaths (57.9%) were from Al-Samawa. The study concluded that Al-Muthana had a lower cancer burden than other parts of Iraq and neighboring countries, but suggested improvements in cancer registration, research on risk factors, and implementation of preventive programs involving diet, smoking cessation, and physical activity.

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