Parasitic Influences on Cancer Patterns: An Analytical Study from Al Hawari Hospital of Benghazi, Libya

Abstract

Carcinogenesis, the process of cancer development, can in some cases be associated with certain parasitic infections. In this study, key points regarding the relationship between parasites and carcinogenesis are discussed. Aims: Through analysing medical records from cancer patients at Al-Hawari Hospital and researching previous studies regarding the present parasite, relationships between parasites and cancer diseases quantifying the types of cancer present in Libya were discovered. Methods: The study was conducted in Benghazi, Libya, and analysed medical records for 248 patients with cancer from January through March 2024. Data from 13 cities across Libya. Utilising a retrospective design, it incorporates both an analysis of collected medical data and a review of over 18 related literature sources. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software to assess relationships between age and cancer types, applying the Chi-square test for categorical variables. Results: Breast cancer was the most prevalent cancer type, 41.1%, followed by uterine cancer at 16.9%. Benghazi had the highest cancer incidence rate, accounting for 54.8% of recorded cases, while the age group with the highest frequency of cancer was 51-60 years (29%). The study also linked specific parasites to various cancers, such as Toxoplasma gondii to breast cancer and Schistosoma species to bladder and rectal cancers. The Chi test shows a significantly significant relationship between age and infection with a test value of 125.304 and a p-value of 0.000. Conclusion: There are many parasites that are present in Libya linked to cancer. Therefore, the study emphasises the need for continued research into the role of infection in the development of cancer.