Objective: Investigate epidemiology of leukemia in Karbala province of Iraq, compare and identify possible changes with other populations. Methods: This was retrospective descriptive study for more than 400 leukemia patients in Karbala province from November 2011 to May 2018 with evaluation of age, gender distribution, types distribution and frequency distribution types of leukemia according to age and gender.Result: About 402 patients with leukemia were retrospectively enrolled in this study at median age of 30 years. Males accounted for a higher proportion of leukemia patients, 58.2 % compared to 41.8% females, with a male to female ratio of nearly 1.4:1. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was the most prevalent in the study group, contributing 41% (median age 10 years), followed by chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) 24.1% (median age 42 years), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) 19.2% (median age 36 years) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia(CLL) of less frequent type which contributed only 15.7% (median age 60 years). Conclusion: This is the first statistical study of leukemia in Karbala. It can be used as basic information to investigate epidemiological characteristics, to evaluate progress in recent years and to develop future leukemia strategies. More statistical leukemia analyses in Iraq are needed.

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring tumor and the first cause of death in females. Low level of understanding early symptoms leads to a late diagnosis and high mortality rates. Aims: To describe presenting symptoms, risk factors, and medical care delays among breast cancer patients in Iraq. Materials & Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study conducted in Al-Hussein center in Karbala province of Iraq between February 2012 and August 2020.Results: There were 101 female patients with breast cancer, median age was 45 years. Most of our patients diagnosed incidentally and only 17.82% of our patients were performing breast self examination. Lack of physical activity was the most common risk factors in more than 74% of patients. Painless breast lump was the most frequent symptom in 85.14% of patients. Majority of our patients 58.42% asked medical help within six months. Limited knowledge about symptoms was the common barriers for early diagnosis in 43.94% of patients. Conclusion: Lack of knowledge about breast cancer had a major concern in our region. Increasing awareness about early symptoms and risk factors is very important for early diagnosis and proper management.

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