Cancer research in the Arab world - a review of publications from seven countries between 2000-2013

ABSTRACT

This review aimed to examine trends in cancer research in the Arab world and identify existing research gaps. A search of the MEDLINE[registered] 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