Risk Factors for Malignancies in Pediatric Population: Results of A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Abstract

Cancer is the most common cause of disease-related deaths in childhood. Many sociodemographic, socioeconomic, environmental and genetic risk factors have been associated with a childhood cancer risk. However, few to no such studies have been conducted in the Middle East including Lebanon. This is a population-based case-control study that was conducted in the Lebanese pediatric population. Data was collected through face- to-face interviews, using a questionnaire, with parents of children with cancer in Lebanese pediatric cancer centers over a two-year period. In total, the sample consisted of 322 participants. Results showed that there are several sociodemographic, socioeconomic, environmental factors, in addition to consanguinity between parents, level of education and occupation of the parents , area of residence of the child (location and proximity to high-voltage electrical networks, garbage disposal areas, industrial factories and high-ways) as well as sibling history of cancer are risk factors for childhood cancers in Lebanon. Conclusion: This study informs policy makers on the risk factors in order to find solution as well as policies to decrease and mitigate these risks.