Trend of cancer incidence in an oncology center in Nigeria

Background: Globally, 32.5 million people diagnosed with cancer within the 5 years previously were alive at the end of 2012. 8.2 million deaths and 14.1 million new cases are recorded annually, but 70% will be in developing countries. Lung, breast, and colorectal cancers are commonly diagnosed. Aim and Objectives: The aim and objectives of this study is to review the trend of cancer incidence in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) from January 2004 to December 2013. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of histologically confirmed malignancies seen at Radiotherapy Department, LUTH from January 2004 to December 2013. Case files were retrieved through the record department, and the information required was extracted with the aid of a data extraction form. Results: A total of 3,314 new cases of cancer were recorded in LUTH during the study period. The mean age of cancer presentation is 48.52 (±16.44). The median age is 49.00 years with an age range of 1–100 years. The peak age incidence for males was 50–54 years accounting for 10% of all male presentation while females had a peak age incidence of 40–44 years accounting for 14% of female cases. The male-to-female ratio was 1:3. Breast (38.1%), cervical (17.0%), and colorectal cancers (3.3%) are the common ones recorded. In males, the most common cancer was prostate cancer (12.8%) followed by colorectal cancer (4.5%). Conclusion: In general, cancer incidence in Nigeria appears low compared to developed countries which may not truly reflect the burden of the disease. This could be due to poor population-based statistics and poor health patronage of orthodox medical care.