This study was carried out to investigate incidence rates and risk
factors of non- hematology cancer types in the northern governorates of
the West Bank (Nablus, Jenin, Tulkarm, Tubas, Qalqiliya, and Salfit). Risk
factors may vary among different geographical locations. The main aim of
this study was to investigate the differences in incidence rates among
geographical locations and the relationship between geographical locations
and cancer types with variation of risk factors. This is a retrospective study
which covered cancer patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2008. The data
were obtained from three governmental hospitals which had cancer therapy
centers in the Northern West Bank (Al-Watani hospital in Nablus, Thabet- Thabet hospital in Tulkarm, and Jenin hospital in the city of Jenin). Medical and personal data were obtained from the registry files of patients, while lifestyle information and other data were obtained via interviews
with patients or their close relatives in case of death.