Cancer Mortality Pattern in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and about 70% of all cancer deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. The cancer mortality pattern is quite different in Africa compared to other parts of the world. Extensive literature research showed little or no information about the overall deaths attributable to cancer in Nigeria. Aims and Objectives. This study aims at providing data on the patterns of cancer deaths in our center using the hospital and autopsy death registers. Methodology. Demographic, clinical data of patients who died of cancer were extracted from death registers in the wards and mortuary over a period of 14 years (2000–2013). Results. A total of 1436 (4.74%) cancer deaths out of 30287 deaths recorded during the period. The male to female ratio was 1 : 2.2 and the peak age of death was between 51 and 60 years. Overall, breast cancer was responsible for most of the deaths. Conclusion. The study shows that the cancers that accounted for majority of death occurred in organs that were accessible to screening procedures and not necessary for survival. We advise regular screening for precancerous lesions in these organs so as to reduce the mortality rate and burden of cancer.

Surgical oncology at a major referral center in Ghana: Burden, staging, and outcomes

“…Our findings demonstrate a substantial burden of cancer patients in Ghana requiring general surgery admission. Similar to other reports in the literature from SSA, the most common cancer types seen here were breast, colorectal, and foregut . Majority of all admitted patients went on to undergo surgery (208, 61%) which is slightly higher than rates previously reported from Rwanda, where 46% of patients presenting for surgical evaluation underwent an operation .…”

“…Similar to other reports in the literature from SSA, the most common cancer types seen here were breast, colorectal, and foregut. [21][22][23] Majority of all admitted patients went on to undergo surgery (208, 61%) which is slightly higher than rates previously reported from Rwanda, where 46% of patients presenting for surgical evaluation underwent an operation. 24 In addition, most patients in our study who underwent surgery did so with curative intent (124, 60%…”

Barriers to mammography screening in Nigeria: A survey of two communities with different access to screening facilities

“…Over the past two decades, there has been a remarkable increase in the incidence of breast cancer from 33.6 per 100,000 in the 1990s to 64.6 per 100,000 after about two decades making breast cancer the most common female malignancy in Nigeria (Adebamowo & Adekunle, ; Jedy‐Agba et al, ). The majority of women present with advanced disease (Adesunkanmi, Lawal, Adelusola, & Durosimi, ), making breast cancer one of the leading causes of cancer death (Akinde, Phillips, Oguntunde, & Afolayan, ).…”

Breast Cancer in a Lagos Facility: Implications for the Institution of a Cancer Screening Programme

“…It is the most prevalent cancer in Nigeria and the commonest cause of cancer-related deaths in some Nigerian regions such as Lagos [1,2]. The age-standardised incidence rate in Nigeria is 34-46 per 100,000, and some studies have reported an increasing incidence in recent years [1,3].…”