ABSTRACT
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ABSTRACT
This study presents the findings of the first population-based tumor registry in the Eastern region (ER). Data on all cancer sites, in 1987 and 1988, were captured from all health facilities in the ER. A regional population census was obtained from regional health authorities. Cancer deaths were obtained from death registries. Age-specific rate, crude incidence rate (CIR), age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) and relative age-standardized incidence rate (%ASR) were compared with available population-based data from 137 tumor registries. 1559 primary cancer cases were captured. The CIR and ASR/100,000/year for cancer among Saudi males were respectively 59.8 and 125.7. The corresponding rates among Saudi females were 43.6 and 95.5. These rates rank very low on the international scale. Cancer sites with the highest %ASR among Saudi males were lung, lymphomas, leukemias, urinary bladder and tumors of uncertain primary. For Saudi females, these sites were breast, leukemias, tumors of brain and nervous system, thyroid and tumors of uncertain primary. Lung cancer was the leading cause of death from cancer among Saudi males. The first regional population-based cancer registry in Saudi Arabia was established in 1987. The overall cancer ASR in the ER is low. The leading cancer sites with the highest %ASR are lung in Saudi males and breast in Saudi females.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To determine whether the change from the door-to-door strategy of administering the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to designated vaccination points has led to less than optimal vaccination coverage. METHODS: The Second Bi Annual Poliomyelitis Vaccination ended on 28 Rajab 1417N (9 December 1996G). To minimize the high cost in terms of staff and financial resources, the local authority in the Eastern Province offered the vaccinations at various primary health and commercial centers, schools and private hospitals. The WHO cluster sampling technique was used to conduct a survey in the Al-Khobar and Qatif areas to verify the percentage coverage using the new strategy. RESULTS: A total population of 1399 including 644 adults and 755 children (317 Al-Khobar, 438 Qatif) was surveyed. There were 153 children aged less than 5 years in Al-Khobar and 179 in Qatif Of these, 148 (96.7%) in Al-Khobar were vaccinated compared to 179 (100%) in Qatif. Only 5 of the eligible children were not vaccinated, two of whom were Saudis and three non-Saudis. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows an overall percentage coverage of 98.4 in the Eastern Province which is well above the WHO's minimal 80% target for success. This method of vaccination at assigned points may be used in areas where the literacy rate is high and public cooperation is at a maximum.
ABSTRACT
This is the first population-based data in Saudi Arabia on the incidence of leukemias in the Eastern Region, as conducted by its regional tumor registry. Data on cancer were captured from all health facilities in the region in 1987-1988. Population census was derived from a survey. Data on cancer deaths were obtained from all death registries. Crude, age-specific, age-standardized, and relative age-standardized incidence rates were used as indicators for the incidence of leukemia. There were 124 cases of leukemias registered. The yearly average crude incidence rate was 5.2 and 3.6 per 100,000 for Saudi males and females, respectively. The age-standardized incidence rate was 7.3 and 6.1 per 100,000 per year in Saudi males and females respectively. The relative age-standardized incidence of leukemias in Saudi males and females ranked, respectively, third and second highest on the international scale. Death from leukemia among Saudis was responsible for 8.9% of the total deaths from cancer. Statistical indicators point to a high incidence rate of leukemias in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia among Saudis. Leukemia was the third leading cause of death from cancer. The relative age-standardized rate of leukemias among Saudis of either gender rank very high on the international scale.
