Aims: Due to the continuous changes in modern lifestyle and the need to explore the effect of these changes on the risk of developing cancer, ongoing research on the epidemiology and characteristics of cancer patients is requested. This study explored the epidemiology of cancer, its characteristics, treatment patterns, and risk factors in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using cancer patients’ medical records at Asir Central Hospital in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Active patients’ records were extracted between January 2013 and December 2019. Results: A total of 2038 patients were identified during the study period, with a mean age of 60.9 (SD: 19.0) years. The patients had survived with their cancer for a median duration of 4 years (IQR: 2–6). Around 4.6% of the patients required ICU admission with a median period of 9 days (IQR: 5–14.75). The death rate during the study period was 10.9%. Around 20.8% of the cases were metastatic, of which 77.8% were at stage four of metastasis, and 19.7% of the patients were receiving chemotherapy for their disease. The most common types of cancer were malignant neoplasms of digestive organs, comprising 40.8% of the sample. Older age (60 years and above) and using specific chronic disease medications were predictors associated with a higher risk of death due to cancer (p < 0.05). Smoking history, using specific chronic disease medications, and having previous surgery were predictors associated with a higher risk of ICU admission (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Breast, colon, and liver cancers were the most prevalent in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Several modifiable cancer risk factors were identified. The results of this study should support decision-makers in the initiation of programs for key modifiable risk factors that enhance lifestyle changes and reduce cancer risks.
Dental hypomineralization represents a major problem in childhood health that can cause serious problems and may even affect the permanent dentition. In previous literature review, the term molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) has been frequently reported among different studies. However, the clinical problems and complications of the condition are not commonly described among studies in the literature, which adds a value to this current study. The present study was a literature review that aimed to discuss the problems of hypomineralization in baby teeth and the reported common problems according to recent studies in the literature. Tooth loss, anesthetic problems within the anterior teeth, hypersensitivity and the presence of underlying inflammation are potential complications that might affect these patients. Moreover, it was also previously reported that the subsurfaces of the affected enamels are usually porous and soft. On other hand, the surfaces of the intact enamels are usually hypermineralized, hard and smooth, owing to the subsequent post-eruptive maturation. Identification of the underlying etiology and risk factors is important for the proper management of these cases. A systemic origin of the disorder was strongly suggested while other environmental and genetic factors had been suggested. Moreover, establishing a proper diagnosis can be hard due to the presence of some similar disorders. Therefore, a differential diagnosis should be established as it is discussed in this literature.
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