Central nervous system cancers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region: where does Lebanon stand.

BACKGROUND

Central nervous system (CNS) cancers are rare but deadly, with little data in the literature to describe its incidence in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This study investigates the incidence-rates of these cancers MENA, determine Lebanon's current state in contrast, compare the incidence-rates of these cancers in Lebanon to other countries from several regions of the world, and discuss contributing risk factors.

METHODS

CNS cancers data for the years 2005 to 2015 was collected from the National Cancer Registry of Lebanon and stratified by gender and age group. Age-specific and age-standardized incidence-rates were calculated and analyzed using Joinpoint regression. Age standardized incidence-rates to the world population [ASR(w)] for other countries were obtained from two online databases.

RESULTS

Lebanon ranked third and fourth in CNS cancers incidence in MENA region for males and females, respectively. However, Lebanon had low incidence when compared to other regions of the world. CNS cancers ASR(w) showed a non-significantly increasing trend over the period studied for Lebanese males and females. Incidence-rate increased with age in both sexes and the average age of incidence was around 44 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Lebanon has relatively high incidence of CNS cancer in both sexes when compared to other MENA countries. CNS cancers incidence-rate is on the rise and children younger than 9 years as well as adults above 30 years are remarkably burdened by these diseases. Several risk factors, particularly ionizing radiation and pesticide exposure play a role in increased CNS cancers incidence among the Lebanese population.