TITLE:
A Survey of Cancer and Childhood Leukemia in Al-Rafai District, Di Quar Governorate, Iraq, 2021-2024, with Measurements of Elements in Hair Samples of Affected Individuals and Family Interviews. Preliminary Results and Recommendations for Further Research
AUTHORS:
Christopher Busby, Riyad Abdullah Fathi, Kawakeb N. Abdullah, Omar Riyadh Abdullah, Dhafer A. Alghezi, Hadi Wali Saheb, Ali Abdullah Harb, Muayed Hussein Amer
KEYWORDS:
Cancer, Leukemia, Heavy Metals, Depleted Uranium, Al Rafai, Di Qar Governorate, Fallujah
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.17 No.9,
September
9,
2026
ABSTRACT: There is considerable anecdotal evidence in Southern Iraq about increases in cancer rates. To follow up on growing community concerns about high levels of cancer in Al-Rafai District of Di Quar Governorate, a survey of cancer in an a priori defined sample population of the district was carried out. The method was based on a previous questionnaire study of cancer and infant mortality in Fallujah, Iraq, in 2010 [Busby et al. 2010, Alaani et al. 2011]. The questionnaire survey of Al-Rafai district involved visiting 517 families. Results showed a significant excess cancer risk, including all malignancies in males [26 obs. Exp. 8.74; RR = 3.86; CI 2.78, 5.36; p