DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2014.v02i02.049

Pages: 706-710

Over 20 million people living with cancer all over the world today. The number of new cases is expected to increase from 10 million in 2000 to 15 million in 2020. Cancer has now become the 3rd leading cause of death in South East Asia region. Cancer of esophagus is common in India and has been reportedly increasing in the southern states like Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu. An effort has been made in this regard to study the socio-demographic profile and associated risk factors amongst the patients admitted to the KIMS hospital, Hubli, karnataka. The objectives were to study the socio-demographic profile of patients, to study the various risk factors associated with esophageal cancer and to study the morbidity pattern of esophageal cancer. A cross-sectional study was done among 50 patients admitted in KIMS, Hubli, in the period between September 2011 and November 2011 by a pre-structured and pre-tested questionnaire and the data obtained was analysed. The study showed that, 80% of esophageal cancer was found among males and in the age group of 41-60yrs. 68% belonged to low socio-economic group and 60% were illiterates. Association of smoking, 56% cases, was found to be statistically significant. Others being tobacco chewing (52%) and alcohol (64%). The prevalence of esophageal cancer was found to be higher amongst males, who were illiterates and of low socio-economic strata. Lack of awareness of risk factors and screening modalities were clearly seen. Hence, a comprehensive effort is needed to generate awareness and screening options to cut down the prevalence.