Utilization of systemic palliative chemotherapy at the end of life: a local experience.

Objective: To evaluate attitude towards using systemic chemotherapy near the end of life for cancer patients.

Methods: This retrospective study comprised data of all patients who died with cancer at the Medical Oncology Department of the National Oncology Centre, Muscat, Oman, from January 2009 to December 2011. The records were retrieved from the electronic patient record system of ALSHIFA, Royal Hospital.

Age at diagnosis of female breast cancer in Oman: Issues and implications.

Introduction: Female breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignancy diagnosed globally, about 23% of the diagnosed cancers. BC incidence varies geographically, highest in Western Europe and lowest in Africa. BC in females is strongly correlated to age, the highest incidence rate amongst older women reinforcing the importance of hormonal status.