Retrospective Case Series Study on Basic Epidemiological Characteristics of the Cancer Diagnosed Syrian Refugees in South of Turkey

Abstract

[LANGUAGE= "English"] Objectives: 3.5 million Syrian refugees are living in Turkey which is higher than other countries. We aimed to examine the epidemiological characteristics of Syrian refugees diagnosed with cancer and the relationship between living con?ditions and treatment compliance. Methods: This study is a retrospective observational study. A total of 233 patients were included the trial from two dif?ferent oncology centers in Turkey between 2014 and 2019. Results: Median age was 49 years old (range 6-93). 152 (65.2 %) patients were female. The most common cancer type was breast cancer (n=83, 35.6%). There are 161 (69.1 %) and 72 (30.9 %) patients admitted to our center from refugee camp and their home, respectively. Median follow-up time was 15 (range 3-158) months and 22 (9.4) patients were death. Statistical analysis failed to show significant relation between the staying site (either camp or house) and che?motherapy/radiotherapy compliance rate with a p values of p:0.71 and p:0.17, respectively. Conclusion: Our results revealed that breast cancer was most common cancer type and majority of patients were ad?vanced stage. Additionally this trial showed that the Syrian refugees could reach oncological treatment options. Also, their compliance to treatment was good regardless of where they lived.

Alternate abstract:

Objectives: 3.5 million Syrian refugees are living in Turkey which is higher than other countries. We aimed to examine the epidemiological characteristics of Syrian refugees diagnosed with cancer and the relationship between living con?ditions and treatment compliance. Methods: This study is a retrospective observational study. A total of 233 patients were included the trial from two dif?ferent oncology centers in Turkey between 2014 and 2019. Results: Median age was 49 years old (range 6-93). 152 (65.2 %) patients were female. The most common cancer type was breast cancer (n=83, 35.6%). There are 161 (69.1 %) and 72 (30.9 %) patients admitted to our center from refugee camp and their home, respectively. Median follow-up time was 15 (range 3-158) months and 22 (9.4) patients were death. Statistical analysis failed to show significant relation between the staying site (either camp or house) and che?motherapy/radiotherapy compliance rate with a p values of p:0.71 and p:0.17, respectively. Conclusion: Our results revealed that breast cancer was most common cancer type and majority of patients were ad?vanced stage. Additionally this trial showed that the Syrian refugees could reach oncological treatment options. Also, their compliance to treatment was good regardless of where they lived.