Oesophageal cancer in Bahrain

Abstract

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 female:male ratio was 1.8:1, and the majority of patients were > or =51 years and < or =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 understand the aetiology of the disease and inform preventive policies.