Breast Cancer in Muslim Countries: Risk Reduction Strategies.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in western countries and is becoming significant in many developing countries. It is the most common cancer and the primary cause of cancer-related mortality in women in Muslim countries. The incidence of breast cancer ranges from low of 20.4 to high of 78.7 cases per 100,000 in Tajikistan and Lebanon, respectively. The mortality ranges from 8.7 to 25.9 cases per 100,000 in Libya and Nigeria, respectively. The incidence in Muslim countries is low compared to the incidence in US which is at 92.9 cases per 100,000, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data from 2012. However, mortality in US remains low at 14.9 cases due to early detection and better treatment. Breast cancer incidence is increasing in Muslim countries. Greater number of patients present at a younger age and a later stage as compared to the western countries. The major risk factors increasing the incidence of breast cancer include dietary habits, physical activity, weight, reproductive patterns, breast feeding, and supplemental hormone use. A significant decrease in the incidence and mortality in Muslim countries can be achieved by a program incorporating simple risk reduction measures, early detection strategies and specific medical intervention in high-risk women. This will require a cooperative effort of the community, physicians and government.

Awareness of oral cancer in undergraduate medical and dental students

Cancer is the most common cause of death in economically developed countries and the second most lethal entity in developing countries. Oral cancer is a serious health issue that has a universal occurrence. The aim of this study was to determine the awareness level of undergraduate medical and dental students regarding oral cancer by assessing their knowledge of etiology, risk factors and signs of oral cancer. A self-administered questionnaire comprising of 12 questions was distributed amongst a random sample of 50 students each from Khyber Medical College and Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar. The study was conducted during December 2011 academic year. The data was compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 17. Our study showed that dental students were more likely to identify tobacco and alcohol use as the main risk factors for oral cancer. When asked about the signs of oral cancer, a greater number of medical students than dental students were able to name leukoplakia and erythroplakia. With regards to treatment modalities of oral cancer, 96% of the dental students while 56% of medical students listed surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The present study shows better knowledge and awareness of oral cancer amongst final year BDS students as compared to final year MBBS students. A poor level of awareness in the next generation of general medical practitioners thus highlights the need for improving the education of undergraduate medical and dental students regarding oral cancer