Cancer research in the Arab World : a review of publications from seven countries between 2000–2013

Abstract EN

This review aimed to examine trends in cancer research in the Arab world and identify existing research gaps.

A search of the MEDLINE® database (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA) was undertaken for all cancer-related publications published between January 2000 and December 2013 from seven countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine and Sudan.

A total of 1,773 articles were identified, with a significant increase in yearly publications over time (P <0.005).

Only 30.6% of the publications included subjects over the age of 50 years old.

There was a dearth of cross-sectional/correlational studies (8.8%), randomised controlled trials (2.4%) and systematic reviews/meta-analyses (1.3%).

Research exploring cancer associations mainly considered social and structural determinants of health (27.1%), followed by behavioural risk factors (14.1%), particularly tobacco use.

Overall, more cancer research is needed in the Arab world, particularly analytical studies with high-quality evidence and those focusing on older age groups and associations with physical activity and diet.