Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Cancer has become one of the ten leading causes of deaths in India. The common sites of cancer have close association with certain risk factors. The leading sites of cancer have varied in different geographical distribution. Aims & Objectives: The present study was carried out to determine the socio-demographic profile and associated risk factors in cancer patients at a tertiary care teaching hospital in western Maharashtra.
Materials and Methods: A hospital record based retrospective study was carried out in Oncology OPD of Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni, Maharashtra. Data was collected for socio-demographic profile of 205 cancer patients, who attended oncology OPD during 1st April to 31st May 2013, with a pretested and validated structured format. Data was analyzed in the form of percentage and proportions.
Results: Out of total 205 cancer patients, 46.8% were males and 53.2% were females. Majority of them belonged to lower socio- economic status. Majority (59%) of the patients were illiterate. The commonest site for cancer in male was lung, followed by floor of mouth, while it was cervix followed by breast in females. Majority of risk factors were related to addictions like tobacco chewing in the forms of guthka, smoking and consumption of alcohol. Conclusion: Health education, cancer awareness and preventive screening will help in reduction of incidence, morbidity and mortality related to cancers in rural population.