Trends and Burden of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers in Jos, North Central Nigeria: A Seven-Year Retrospective Registry-Based Study

Abstract Background: Childhood and adolescent cancers are a growing public health concern, particularly in low-and middle-income countries where survival rates remain low. Reliable epidemiological data are essential for effective planning and improving outcomes. This study assessed the burden and temporal trends of childhood and adolescent cancers in Jos, north central Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective review of the Jos University Teaching Hospital cancer registry was conducted for cases diagnosed between January 2017 and December 2023. Children and adolescents aged 0–18 years with confirmed malignancies were included. Data on demographics, cancer type, morphology, and anatomical site were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics based on the International Classification of Childhood Cancer, Third Edition (ICCC-3). Results: Of 3,990 registered cancer cases, 478 (12.0%) occurred in children and adolescents, with a median age of 11 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1. Childhood cancers (0–14 years) accounted for 8.6% of total cancers, while adolescents (15–18 years) contributed 3.4%. The most common malignancies were rhabdomyosarcoma (20.9%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma excluding Burkitt (10.9%), nephroblastoma (6.7%), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (6.3%), Burkitt lymphoma (5.9%), retinoblastoma (5.4%), and Hodgkin lymphoma (4.8%), together accounting for over 60% of cases. Conclusion: Childhood and adolescent cancers constitute a significant proportion of the cancer burden in Jos. Emerging trends suggest a shift from historical lymphoma predominance toward increasing solid tumors. Strengthening diagnostic services, establishing a robust population-based cancer registry, and improving pediatric oncology infrastructure remain priorities for reducing the burden and improving outcomes for children with cancer in Nigeria.