Prevalence and Risk Factors of Oral Cancer Among Saudi Women: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Incidence of oral cancer among women has been increasing globally. Consumption of tobacco and alcohol are predominant cause while other factors such as genetics, dietary habits, nature of occupation, and oral hygiene barely determine prevalence of oral cancer among women. Aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to assess the prevalence and the risk factors of oral cancer among women of Saudi Arabia. Methods: Search was done with combination of keywords in Google database using English language from 1990 till August 2020 with inclusion criteria includes original research, reviews, and studies focused on the prevalence and risk factors of oral cancer among Saudi Women. Case reports, investigative methods, treatment modalities for oral cancer, and articles that focused on other type of cancers were excluded from the study. Results: Out of 2,373 articles obtained, nine articles were under final selection after removing duplicates, irrelevant articles for the current topics and after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria.These articles reviewed to identify useful insights about oral cancer among women with special focus on Saudi Arabia. Conclusion: Observed geographical differentials of oral cancer subject to the development indexes of countries indicate that incidence rate of oral cancer among Saudi women is relatively lower compared to other regions, due to less exposure to cancer-causing risks. Tobacco consumptions particularly smokeless tobacco (Shammah) is the dominant cause among Saudi women, followed by genetic factors. However, a continuous vigilance for oral cancer among women in Saudi Arabia is critically needed for reducing common risks factors of the disease.