Oesophageal cancer in Bahrain

ABSTRACT

Data from all 148 cases of oesophageal cancer in Bahrain during 1952-99 were analysed according to patient sex and age and site and histological pattern of tumour, and compared with other Gulf countries. In Bahrain, oesophageal cancer accounted for 2.6% of malignant neoplasms. The femalemale ratio was 1.81, and the majority of patients were >/=51 years and </=70 years of age. The lower and upper third of the oesophagus were the most and least frequently involved sites, respectively. Squamous carcinoma [males] and adenocarcinoma [females] were the main histological types. There is varying consistency between these data and those of other Gulf countries having similar anthropological and demographic profiles. A prospective study may help to better underst and the aetiology of the disease and inform preventive policies