Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic profile of cervical cancer in Butembo/ North- Kivu, DRC

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is a sexually transmitted cancer caused by oncogenic Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Aim: The study aimed to determine the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic profile of cervical cancer in Butembo. Method: This was a retrospective and descriptive study. Case records of patients managed for cervical cancer from January 2009 to December 2013 at Matanda and GRH Katwa, both located in Butembo, North-Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo were reviewed. Results: The incidence of cervical cancer in Butembo was 0.97% with a peak in 2011 (1.24% and 1.49%) and 2012 (1.24% and1.85%) at Katwa and Matanda hospitals. The mean age was 54 years with 23 and 85 years old as a minimum and maximum age. 73.41% of patients complained of genital bleeding on admission. Most of patients (56.96% and 30.38%) consulted lately in stages III and IV of FIGO classification. Most of complications (anemia, genital secondary infections and alteration of general state) occur in the FIGO stages III and IV. 49.37% benefited of chemotherapy, 11.40% of total hysterectomy, 16.46% of total hysterectomy and chemotherapy, 24.05% of palliative treatment and 1.26% of abstention after laparotomy. Conclusion: This study revealed a dramatic figure of cervical cancer in Butembo city. Effort should be made by the government and other health agencies to organize mass campaign to practice cervical screening as well as education on the various risk factors. Access to the vaccines (anti-HPV 16-18) and the precocious diagnosis should be ensured.

Key words: Epidemiology, cervical cancer, HPV, FIGO stages, laparotomy, Congo