Cancer Care in sub-Saharan Africa – Urgent Need for Population–based Cancer Registries

Abstract

Background: The incidence of malignant diseases is increasing globally, particularly in the developing countries as shown by recent cancer statistics from the World Health Organization Reports. It is anticipated that with increase in life expectancy consequent upon improved standard of living and increasing industrialization, the burden of cancer in sub-Saharan Africa is likely to increase in the new millennium.


Objective: This article is designed to review the existing literature on cancer statistics in sub-Saharan Africa and assess the need for population-based cancer registries to enhance cancer care and prevention within the region.


Design: Relevant literature on cancer statistics in sub-Saharan Africa and the developed Western countries were obtained from the Internet and local libraries. Information obtained from this search formed the basis of this review.


Results: There are few cancer registries in sub-Saharan Africa and most of them are hospital-based. Data from these registries indicate some consistency in the pattern of malignant diseases in most countries within the region with slight local variation. Carcinoma of the prostate, liver, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and colon and rectal tumors are the top four malignant diseases in the Ibadan cancer registry while Kaposi's sarcoma, liver and oesophageal cancers are the most common in some registries in East Africa.


Conclusion: Cancer statistics from the developing countries are inadequate due to lack of functional population-based cancer registries. It is recommended that functional population-based cancer registries be established in various countries within the region to facilitate the formulation of appropriate policies for improved cancer care and prevention.


[Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2003;17(2):89-98]