Cancer mortality in Southern Iraq

Abstract EN

Lin this paper, we present the results of a study that was carried out in three governorates in Southern Iraq Missan and Thi Qar) in 2006.

The study aimed at examining the burden of cancer as a cause of death in covernorates during selected years from the 1980s, 1990s and the first decade of this century.

The data e obtained from all death registration offices in the three governorates.

Each death was checked and deaths £.

Sfof^which cancer written as the cause were compiled.

The results showed that cancer is a major contributor to ' ^mortality in Southern Iraq.

The share of cancer deaths among males was higher (56.3%) man females (43.7%) but a significant rise in the females share was noticed from the 1980s towards the beginning of the 21 century.

The ten cancer deaths in males and females were generally similar.

These were cancers of the urinary bladder (16.4%), lung (15.0%), leukaemias (8.6%), breast (7.6%), lymphomas (Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's) (5.3%), CNS (5.1%), stomach (5.1%), larynx (4.5%), liver (4.1%) and pancreas (3.2%).

These ten cancer deaths represented about 74.9% of all cancer deaths.

The results documented some degree of increased cancer mortality during the last 20 years particularly in Missan govemorate.

The differential time trend in cancer mortality among the three governorates could reflect difference in the quality of medical care available for patients.