Temporal trends in the incidence and demographics of cancers, communicable diseases, and non-communicable diseases in Saudi Arabia over the last decade

Abstract

To describe the trends in the incidence rates of 5 most common cancers, communicable diseases, and non-communicable diseases in Saudi Arabia over the last decade. Methods: The incidence rates of cancers (2001-2014), communicable diseases (2003-2016), and non-communicable diseases (1990-2017) were retrieved, classified, and analyzed retrospectively during November 2017, based on data available with the Ministry of Health and were analyzed at the Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Results: Age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) (per 100,000 population) of breast cancer among women increased dramatically from 11.8 in 2001 to 22.7 in 2014, indicating a 92.4% increase over the decade. Colorectal cancer incidence was the highest among men, and its ASR per 100,000 population increased from 5.0 to 10.6 in men and from 5.0 to 8.2 in women. Among communicable diseases, incidences of hepatitis B, measles, chickenpox, and brucellosis decreased while dengue fever increased. An alarming increase was observed in the incidence rate of non-communicable diseases namely, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Conclusion: The incidence rate of non-communicable diseases increased over the decade and was associated with increased mortality and disability, reduced quality of life, and increased health-care costs, indicating an urgent need to establish prevention and control programs. The rising trend in the incidence of cancers may also become a health care issue in Saudi Arabia in the coming years.

Figure 1

The age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) per 100,000 population of breast cancer (A), colorectal cancer (B), thyroid cancer (C), Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (D), and leukemia (E). The graphs have been plotted using data obtained for Saudi Arabian men and women for the period 2001-2014.

Figure 2

The incidence rate per 100,000 population of communicable diseases, including hepatitis B (A), dengue fever (B), measles (C), chickenpox (D), and brucellosis (E).

Figure 3

The prevalence (%) of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes (A), hypertension (B), hypercholesterolemia (C), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (D), and obesity (E) is shown over a decade.

Figure 4

Leading causes of poor health in Saudi Arabia in 2003 are compared with those in recent years (2014). Dotted downward lines indicate descending trend, solid bold upward lines indicate ascending trend, and thin solid horizontal line indicates maintenance of the ranking among these causes. COPD - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, NHL - non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.