Epidemiology of cancer larynx in upper Egypt and the relationship to smoking habit

A study of 190 out of 234 patients with laryngval carcinoma attended Assiut University Hospital from 1988 to 1990 were studied.A control group consist of 190 persons, matched for age and sex, was studied in the same way. Cancer larynx cases account for 5.7% of all cancer cases and 38.7% of head and neck malignancies. The peak incidence of cases was between, 60 and 70 years. Male to female ratio was 23:1. Farmers form 42%, skilled workers [14%] unskilled workers [11.5%], casual workers [10%] employee [10%], merchants [8.5%] and housewives [4%].Male smokers were 97.3% and 22% in the control group. There is a significant relationship between smoking and cancer larynx [P 0.01]. The degree of differentiation of cancer is related to smoking habit. Patients came for medical advice in early stages were mainly non-smokers or exsmokers, therefore smoking can affect the behaviour of the tumour and minimize the chance in successful treatment

Health status and service needs of the elderly [60 years and over]

The main health problems were disorders of gastrointestinal and locomotor systems together with impaired vision. Chest diseases were significant problem for males. Diabetes mellitus and heart diseases were present in less than 15% of the studied elderly. Urine screening revealed the presence of blood, protein, leukocytes and nitrites in 55.9, 49, 26 and 11.8% of elderly respectively. Moreover, urine testing identified glucosuria in 11 elderly with negative history of diabetes. The study suggests some strategies to meet health and social needs of elderly

Assessment of the nutritional status in elderly persons [60 years and over]

Results showed insignificant changes of anthropometric measurements with aging and identified deficiency of vitamins A, C, niacin and calcium in 24 hours dietary recall. The median nutrient intake exceeded the standard daily allowances for vitamins B1, B2, iron and protein. It is recommended, for optimal diet of the elderly, to ensure daily consumption of vegetables, fruits and milk. Gastrointestinal troubles which form the major feeding problem have to be properly managed to allow adequate feeding