The epidemiology of head and neck cancer

(ICD-O-140-149) in Kuwait 1979 -1988

Robert E. Morris', DDS, MPH *, Bader Eidan Al Mahmeed", BDS, MSc, PhD
Arne N. Gjorgov', MD, PhD, Hussain G. Ai Jazzaf, MD
Bader Al Rashid, BDS, MSc, PhD ** 
* Ministry of Health, Kuwait
** Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University

Previous studies have shown that malignant tumors of the head and neck are among the leading malignancies in Kuwait and are a major public health problem for Kuwait. A retrospective review of cancer of the head and neck for the period 1979 to 1988 in Kuwait was carried out to assess changes in prevalence if any, in the intervening years since the previous studies and to compare same to rates elsewhere. The nasopharynx, salivary glands and hypopharynx appear to be the three primary sites of head and neck cancer in Kuwait. There has been an increase in salivary gland cancer incidence in females and males between 1974 and 1988. The possible etiologic factors related to these cancers are not known. Further research is needed to identify potential risk factors in the several ethnic populations residing in Kuwait and to screen potential guest workers at their country of origin. The study was restricted to epithelial malignant tumors of the sites reported.

Saudi Dental Journal 2000;12(2):88-94.