Introduction: This paper describes recent population-based cancer registration In Basrah-Southern Iraq and presents a profile on the outcome over a period of four years (2005-2008).
Objectives: During these four years, extensive work was done to create a culture of a scientific approach to cancer, to enhance adequate cancer registration and subsequently to quantify the risk and enhance actions for its control within a national strategy.
Methods: Since 2005 cancer cases which are diagnosed and/ or treated at any of the major hospitals and governmental diagnostic facilities in Basrah are reported to the Cancer Control Centre (the main registration office). Additional cases are also notified from the Cancer Registration Section at the Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Basrah (which compiles histopathologically ascertained cases) and from haematological laboratories. To back up these sources, all accessible records for the period in question at the level of Basrah governorate (hospitals, registries, laboratories, specialized oncology centres and early detection centres) were checked for verification of all newly diagnosed cancer cases. For this purpose, individual records of every diagnosed case were examined and every case of cancer was identified and added to the pool of cases. Data on all reported cases were re-fed on an excel programme and carefully checked for repetition and apparent errors. The verified cases were used in this paper to present an estimate of the incidence of cancer in Basrah during 2005-2008.
Results: A total of 8,748 cases were compiled, 72.9% being inhabitants of Basrah governorate and 27.1% from outside. The reported numbers for the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 were 1,850, 2,155, 2,410, and 2,333, respectively, males and females accounting for 48.1% and 51.9% of cases. The five leading cancers during 2005-2008 were those of breast, urinary bladder, lymphomas, lung and bronchus and leukaemias.
Conclusion: Population-based registration is a strong prerequisite for a dynamic strategy on cancer control encompassing prevention, treatment, and registration. It is the only means to deal effectively and sensibly with an ever increasing health problem. Doctors' roles in cancer registration are crucial.