DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND RISK FACTORS OF HEAD AND NECK SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN NATIONAL ONCOLOGY CENTER IN ADEN, YEMEN: PROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant health concern in Yemen, with a notable impact on the population. Major risk factors for HNSCC in this region include qat chewing, cigarette smoking, and tobacco. The goal of our study was to analyze the correlation between demographic profiles, affected anatomical sites, and risk factors. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data extracted from the medical records of patients diagnosed with HNSCC at the National Oncology Center (NOC) in Aden, Yemen, covering the period from January 2023 to December 2023. Information on patient demographics, primary tumor locations, family history, and exposure to risk factors such as qat chewing and cigarette smoking was collected through a structured questionnaire. The study included 100 patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.45:1. The mean age of the patients was 53.2 ± 14.7 years, with a significant portion (41%) falling in the 36–54 age group and (40%) falling in the 55–73 age group. The most commonly affected site was the nasopharynx, accounting for 48% of cases. Qat chewing was the predominant risk factor among patients (74%), followed by cigarette smoking (50%) and tobacco (28%). Middle-aged individuals, particularly men aged 36–54 and 55–73 years, are disproportionately affected by HNSCC in Yemen. The nasopharynx emerges as the most prevalent site of cancer. Qat chewing stands out as a prevalent risk factor among patients, followed by cigarette smoking and tobacco. Public education on the risk factors associated with HNSCC is essential for effective disease management and prevention efforts in Yemen.