Iraqi doctors believe depleted uranium from US military equipment used in the 2003 invasion is spreading cancer through the population. 

They are recording a shocking rise in the number of cancer victims south of Baghdad, they claim. Outraged, they have demanded an investigation be held into the matter.

Cancer rates in the province of Babil have risen almost tenfold in just three years.

In 2004, 500 cases of cancer were diagnosed there. That figure rose to almost 1,000 two years later. By 2008, the number of cases had increased sevenfold to 7,000.

Many Iraqi doctors say radiation has caused this alarming increase in cancer rates and birth defects among Iraqi children.

Over 300 sites across Iraq are said to be contaminated by depleted uranium.

Inside Iraq is joined by Jawad Al-Ali, a consultant oncologist, and Christopher Busby, a radiation expert.

This episode of Inside Iraq airs from Friday, January 1, 2010, at the following times GMT: Friday: 1730, 2230; Saturday: 0300, 0830; Sunday: 1230; Monday: 0130.