European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

OVERVIEW OF CHILDHOOD MALIGNANCY IN DIYALA PROVINCE / IRAQ

Mohammad Abdul Qader Alchalabi, Husameldeen Hameed Shalal and Najdat Shukur Mahmood*

ABSTRACT

Cancer is generally an uncommon disorder in childhood worldwide; however, it is a major public health problem. Identification of prevalence and its demographic, etiological, prognostic markers will lead to major advances in treatment and survival. This is a descriptive, retrospective study at oncology unit in Al-Batool teaching hospital. A total of 133 patients were enrolled in the study, acute lymphoblastic leukemia was the commonest tumor (n=56, 42.1%), followed by lymphoma and neuroblastoma. Other malignancies were variably distributed. They were significantly associated with many characters including male gender (.00) and young age, urban areas residency, O+ve blood group, consanguinity marriage (p value=.000 for each), whereas congenital anomalies and family history of malignancy were detected in minority of patients. In Conclusion, the general pattern of distribution and epidemiological and personal characters of pediatric tumors in this study resemble that reported from other various states. Childhood malignancies were significantly associated with many sample criteria like 1-10 year old, male gender, urban areas, O+ve blood group, and consanguinity marriage.

Keywords: cancer, leukemia, children.