Risk of colorectal cancer in relatives: A case control study.

Background: In around 10 to 15% of all colorectal cancer (CRC) cases, a positive family history of colorectal cancer is observed . Although increased risk of colorectal cancer in individuals with a family history of the disease has been observed consistently in the past studies, limited information is available on colorectal cancer associated with family history in Iran. Aims : The purpose of this study is to define the risk of colorectal cancer associated with a family history of cancer. Setting and Design: The present study was designed as an unmatched case control study. The cases were 393 patients with histologically confirmed colorectal carcinomas and there were 393 controls, randomly selected from among the healthy participants in a health survey. Methods : The family history was extracted from a standard history form completed by the patient or from the record created by a health care provider. Statistical Analysis: Mantel-Heanszel Odds Ratio was computed for removing the confounding effect of age and sex. Results : A positive family history of cancer was reported by 36.4 and 24.4% among the cases and controls, respectively. Colorectal cancer risk increased two-fold in subjects who reported having first degree relatives with cancer. The adjusted odds ratio was 4.76, indicating that having a positive family history of colorectal cancer among relatives increased one's risk of colorectal cancer about 4.5-fold. Conclusion: According to our findings, a family history of cancer increased the risk of CRC. Due to this fact that there is no current colorectal cancer screening program in Iran, it is recommended that first degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer should be considered as a priority group for screening programs.

Predictors of quality of life in breast cancer patients under chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Today, the quality of life studies has an important role in health care especially in chronic diseases. Breast cancer has third order among women's malignancies. Now, survival rate for this cancer is long. However breast cancer has several complications that affected the patient's life. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life in Breast cancer patients under chemotherapy. SETTING AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study conducted on 119 breast cancer patients that were admitted and treated in chemotherapy ward of Namazi hospital in Shiraz city, south of Iran, between Jan and Feb 2006. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The QLQ-C30 questionnaire was used to assess quality of life in these patients. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We used univariate methods. A multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of quality of life. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 48.27+/-11.42 with quality of life total score 64.92+/-24.28. All symptoms scales had reverse association with quality of life except appetite loss (P>0.05) and diarrhea (P=0.752). The results of the regression analyses showed that only grade of tumor, occupational status, menopausal status, financial difficulties and dyspnea were statistically significant in predicting patients' quality of life. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrates the strength of the relationship between clinical and sociodemographical factors and breast cancer patients' quality of life. Psychological and financial support for women experiencing breast cancer diagnosis may improve quality of life.

Colorectal cancer in Iran: an epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. But information regarding CRC in Iran is limited; the aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic features of CRC in Iran, using 5-year data from cancer registry. METHODS: This survey is a descriptive-analytic study consists of 1138 colorectal cancer patients who registered in Cancer Registry Center of Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Tehran, Iran. These data gathered using interview and pathology reports that registered in cancer registry forms. Data analysis was performed with descriptive and univariate methods. RESULTS: Of 1138 patients, 696 cases were male and 442 female. There was no significant difference between males and females regarding age at diagnosis. 400 patients (35.1%) had a family history of cancer. The most common histology type of tumor was adenocarcinoma, NOS. In most cases (39.1%) tumor grading was well differentiated and there was no significant difference between males and females. CONCLUSION: Colorectal cancer is a disease with nonspecific symptoms. Family history of cancer was evident in 35.1% of our cases and also 42.9% of patients were below the age of 50 years old, suggests that genetic factors may be play an important role in the development of this disease in our country.