RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

Head and Neck Cancers (HNCs) are the 2nd most common cancers in Pakistan. Both males and females have been victims of HNCs. The objective of the present study was to determine the association of the known risk factors like age, gender, socioeconomic status, toxic habits, organs involved, stage of cancer at presentation, occupational hazards, cast system and their effects on head and neck cancer prognosis. The study sample consisted of 200 patients belonging to different areas of the Punjab, Pakistan who visited/admitted to INMOL hospital, Lahore. The data was collected through in- person interview based on structured questionnaire. The results showed that the highest incidence rate of HNC (27%) was associated with 51-60 years of age and majority of the patients classified to middle (58.5%) income class. 93.5% cases had no family history of HNC or any other cancer. According to tumor, node and metastasis (TNM) staging system, 43% patients were at stage IV, trailed by 32.5% at stage III, 18% at stage II and 7.5% at stage I respectively. The toxic habits like chewing of smokeless tobacco, smoking, gutkha, betel quid and chalia were found associated with HNCs and the most affected organs were the tongue (22%) and larynx (18.5%). The association between HNC and occupation showed that 18.5% patients worked in factories where they might be exposed to risk hazards like cement, wood dust, formaldehyde, asbestos, benzene and coal. The results with respect to cast system showed that Jutt, Sheikh and Khan were affected (17.5%, 16% and 15%, respectively) more than any other cast. It was concluded that age, gender, cancer history, occupation, socioeconomic status, cancer staging, toxic habits and cast system were risk factors associated with Head and Neck Cancer.