Geographical distribution of colorectal cancer patients, their demographic characteristics, and the efficiency of treatment services provided to them

During the period from September to December 2022, patients of the National Cancer Institute in Sabratha are an example.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, as it ranked third globally after breast and lung cancer in terms of the number of people infected with it, with (1.93) million cases, and in Libya it ranked second after breast cancer with (160) cases. A study of the geographical distribution of patients at the National Cancer Institute in Sabratha during the period from September to december for the year 2022 AD showed a variation in their distribution according to the residential area, as the number of visitors increases as the spatial and temporal distance decreases and decreases with their distance.  This study also showed the role played by some demographic characteristics in the occurrence of the disease and indicated a close relationship between the factor of advanced age, low educational level and income level and the occurrence of the disease. Finally, it explained most of the problems suffered by patients during their treatment journey within the institute, including the shortage of doctors specialized in the field of oncology, psychiatry and therapeutic nutrition, the severe shortage of chemotherapy doses, materials and supplies for medical tests, and the unsuitability of the outpatient clinic building in terms of capacity, examination rooms and waiting rooms.