Tumor site related factors in patients with upper aerodigestive tract cancer in Morocco

Objective: In Morocco, 3 246 new cases of upper aerodigestive tract cancer (UADTC) were diagnosed in 2020. The main risk factors are tobacco and alcohol; other risk factors have been identified or suspected. This study aimed to investigate potential risk factors associated with the UADTC sites. Methods: A cross-sectional study has been conducted from December 2018 to February 2020 at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat. Data were collected using a face-to-face structured and pre-tested questionnaire among patients with UADTC. Medical records were abstracted to complete clinical information. The use of a Chi-Square test with a value of a 95% confidence level helped to predict the association between potential factors and UADTC. Results: 201 patients agreed to take part in the study, with an average age of 54.1 years; 48.3% of the participants were illiterate; 74.1% were poor, and 52.7% were diagnosed at stage IV. The Pearson Chi-Square test showed a significant relation- ship between smoking and cancers of the oral cavity (p = 0.039), nasopharynx (p < 0.001), and larynx (p < 0.001). Alcohol was also associated with cancers of the oral cavity (p = 0.049), nasopharynx (p < 0.001), oropharynx (p = 0.047), and larynx (p < 0.001). In addition, a significant relationship was also demonstrated for both tobacco and alcohol users and cancers of the oral cavity (p = 0.041), nasopharynx (p < 0.001), oropharynx (p = 0.042), and larynx (p < 0.001). Oral hygiene (p = 0.049), and prosthetic irritation (p < 0.001) were associated with oral cavity cancers only. Conclusion: In the present study, the identified at-risk individuals could be admitted for clinical examination and for fo- cused preventive treatment measures.