scholarly journals The state of cancer in Meru, Kenya: a retrospective study

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 167
Author(s):  
Francis Kobia ◽  
Jesse Gitaka ◽  
Francis Makokha ◽  
Moses Kamita ◽  
Joshua Kibera ◽  
...  

Background: It is projected that by 2030, 70% of all cancer related deaths will occur in low-middle income countries. However, data on the state of cancer in most African countries is scanty. Cancer estimates for Kenya are based on the Nairobi and Eldoret cancer registries, leaving most parts of the country unrepresented. Lacking national coverage, these data do not accurately reflect Kenya’s cancer burden. The paucity of reliable data impedes formulation of effective cancer control strategies and cancer research prioritization. Here, we report the findings of a retrospective study of the cancer state in Meru County, Kenya. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patient files at Meru hospice was carried out. 2349 cancer cases seen at the Meru hospice between 2003 and 2018 were analyzed. Data abstracted from the records included patient age, gender and cancer type. The abstracted data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results: Our results indicate that cancer is almost evenly distributed across genders, with men accounting for 49% and women 51%. Stomach cancer rates are strikingly elevated and equal to those in countries with the highest stomach cancer rates globally – making it the commonest cancer in this region (14%). Among men, the most common cancers affect the prostate (18%), stomach (17%), esophagus (14%), head & neck (12%), liver (8%) and colorectum (5%). Among women, the commonest are cancers of the breast (22%), cervix (20%), stomach (11%), esophagus (8%), head & neck (6%) and liver (5%). Breast cancer occurs at a notably early age, with 20% of those affected aged below 40. Lung cancer rates are notably low in this region (1.3%) relative to world estimates. Conclusion: Cancer distribution in Meru is nearly even between sexes. Our analysis suggests that the Meru region is a stomach cancer hotspot and that it also experiences elevated esophageal cancer levels.

Author(s):  
Sabine Siesling ◽  
Freddie Bray ◽  
Roberto Zanetti ◽  
Tomohiro Matsuda ◽  
Anna Gavin ◽  
...  

Abstract: Cancer registries provide insight into the burden of cancer by systematically recording data on new (pre)malignancies and/or in-situ tumours within a specific region, area, or treatment setting (e.g. hospital-based care). An understanding of the burden for a patient group at the population level is given by indicators such as incidence, survival, treatment modalities and timing, and prevalence. Mortality data are often obtained through national or regional death registries. Registries play a vital role in research into the causes of cancer, both by providing data on patterns and trends, and in different types of epidemiological studies (in particular, in their ability to follow up groups of persons exposed to a potential hazard). They comprise an essential element in the planning and monitoring of cancer control strategies as well as for identifying priorities in public health. Increasingly, registries in developed countries have begun to gather more data on treatments and outcomes (such as recurrences), which can be used for monitoring quality of care, guideline adherence, and outcome research.


2021 ◽  
pp. 747-755
Author(s):  
Solomon O. Rotimi ◽  
Oluwakemi A. Rotimi ◽  
Bodour Salhia

PURPOSE Authorship is a proxy indicator of research capacity. Understanding the research capacity is imperative for developing population-specific cancer control strategies. This is particularly apropos for African nations, where mortality from cancer is projected to surpass that from infectious disease and the populations are critically under-represented in cancer and genomics studies. Here, we present an analysis and discussion of the patterns of authorship in Africa as they pertain to cancer genomics research across African countries. METHODS PubMed metadata of relevant cancer genomics peer-reviewed publications on African populations, published between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2019, were retrieved and analyzed for patterns of authorship affiliation using R packages, RISmed, and Pubmed.mineR. RESULTS The data showed that only 0.016% (n = 375) of cancer publications globally were on cancer genomics of African people. More than 50% of the first and last authors of these publications originated from the North African countries of Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria. South Africa (13.6% and 12.7%) and Nigeria (2.2% and 1.9%) were the Sub-Saharan African countries most represented by first and last authorship positions, respectively. The United States contributed 12.6% of first and last authored papers, and nearly 50% of all African countries had no contributing author for the publications we reviewed. CONCLUSION This study highlights and brings awareness to the paucity of cancer genomics research on African populations and by African authors and identifies a need for concerted efforts to encourage and enable more research in Africa, needed for achieving global equity in cancer outcomes.


Gut ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (9) ◽  
pp. 1564-1571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melina Arnold ◽  
Jacques Ferlay ◽  
Mark I van Berge Henegouwen ◽  
Isabelle Soerjomataram

ObjectivesTo provide updated estimates of the global burden of oesophageal and gastric cancer by subsite and type.MethodsUsing data from population-based cancer registries, proportions of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) and squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) out of all oesophageal as well as cardia gastric cancer (CGC) and non-CGC (NCGC) out of all gastric cancer cases were computed by country, sex and age group. Proportions were subsequently applied to the estimated numbers of oesophageal and gastric cancer cases from GLOBOCAN 2018. Age-standardised incidence rates (ASR) were calculated.ResultsIn 2018, there were an estimated 572 000 new cases of oesophageal cancer worldwide, 85 000 OACs (ASR 0.9 per 100 000, both sexes combined) and 482 000 OSCCs (ASR 5.3). Out of 1.03 million gastric cancers, there were an estimated 181 000 cases of CGC (ASR 2.0) and 853 000 cases of NCGC (ASR 9.2). While the highest incidence rates of OSCC, CGC and NCGC were observed in Eastern Asia (ASRs 11.1, 4.4 and 17.9, respectively), rates of OAC were highest in Northern Europe (ASR 3.5). While globally OSCC and NCGC remain the most common types of oesophageal and gastric cancer, respectively, rates of OAC exceed those of OSCC in an increasing number of high-income countries.ConclusionsThese updated estimates of the global burden of oesophageal and gastric cancer by subtype and site suggest an ongoing transition in epidemiological patterns. This work will serve as a cornerstone for policy-making and will aid in developing appropriate cancer control strategies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomone Watanabe ◽  
Yuichi Ichinose ◽  
Mei Matsuki ◽  
Takafumi Wakita ◽  
Tsutomu Toida ◽  
...  

Abstract Background To elucidate the experience of patients with cancer from diagnosis to early survivorship in Japan using a nationwide questionnaire survey, and to inform the current progress of the cancer control programs. Methods The survey was sent to a representative sample of adult patients with cancer identified from the national database of hospital-based cancer registries. The patients’ responses were compared across three groups: patients with rare cancers, patients aged < 40 years, and patients with non-rare cancers aged ≥40 years. Results Of 20,488 patients invited to participate in the survey, 8935 (43.6%) responded. Respondents reported an average score of 7.9 out of 10 on global ratings of care. Patients with rare cancers experienced a longer time to diagnosis but the shortest time from diagnosis to first treatment (p < 0.05). Patients aged < 40 years rated worse for the majority of the survey items, especially on items that related to communication with medical staff and items referring to early survivorship. Conclusion The care experienced by patients with cancer in Japan varies on the basis of age group and cancer type. Efforts should be directed to ensuring prompt access to diagnostic facilities for patients with rare cancers and providing sufficient support to younger patients.


2018 ◽  
pp. 16-31
Author(s):  
Tatyana Denisova

For the first time in Russian African studies, the author examines the current state of agriculture, challenges and prospects for food security in Ghana, which belongs to the group of African countries that have made the most progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a collection of 17 global goals adopted by UN member states in 2015 with a view of achieving them by 2030. The SDGs include: ending poverty in all its forms everywhere (Goal 1); ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture (2); ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages (3), etc. These goals are considered fundamental because the achievement of a number of other SDGs – for example, ensuring quality education (4), achieving gender equality (5), ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns (12), etc. – largely depends on their implementation. Ghana was commended by the world community for the significant reduction in poverty, hunger and malnutrition between 2000 and 2014, i.e. for the relatively successful implementation of the first of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, 2000–2015) – the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. However, SDGs require more careful study and planning of implementation measures. In order to achieve the SDGs, the Government of Ghana has adopted a number of programs, plans and projects, the successful implementation of which often stumbles upon the lack of funding and lack of coordination between state bodies, private and public organizations, foreign partners – donors and creditors, etc., which are involved in the processes of socioeconomic development of Ghana. The author determines the reasons for the lack of food security in Ghana, gives an assessment of the state of the agricultural sector, the effective development of which is a prerequisite for the reduction of poverty and hunger, primarily due to the engagement of a significant share (45%) of the economically active population in this sector. The study shows that the limited growth in food production is largely due to the absence of domestic markets and necessary roads, means of transportation, irrigation and storage infrastructure, as well as insufficient investment in the agricultural sector, rather than to a shortage of fertile land or labor.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Foote ◽  
Karl Kingsley

BACKGROUND Reviews of national and state-specific cancer registries have revealed differences in rates of oral cancer incidence and mortality that have implications for public health research and policy. Many significant associations between head and neck (oral) cancers and major risk factors, such as cigarette usage, may be influenced by public health policy such as smoking restrictions and bans – including the Nevada Clean Indoor Act of 2006 (and subsequent modification in 2011). OBJECTIVE Although evaluation of general and regional advances in public policy have been previously evaluated, no recent studies have focused specifically on the changes to the epidemiology of oral cancer incidence and mortality in Nevada. METHODS Cancer incidence and mortality rate data were obtained from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program. Most recently available rate changes in cancer incidence and mortality for Nevada included the years 2012 – 2016 and are age-adjusted to the year 2000 standard US population. Comparisons of any differences between Nevada and the overall US population were evaluated using Chi square analysis. RESULTS This analysis revealed that the overall rates of incidence and mortality from oral cancer in Nevada differs from that observed in the overall US population. For example, although the incidence of oral cancer among Caucasians is increasing in Nevada and the US overall, it is increasing at nearly twice that rate in Nevada, P=0.0002. In addition, although oral cancer incidence among Minorities in the US is declining, it is increasing in Nevada , P=0.0001. Analysis of reported mortality causes revealed that mortality from oral cancer increased in the US overall but declined in Nevada during the same period (2012-2016). More specifically, mortality among both Males and Females in the US is increasing, but is declining in Nevada, P=0.0027. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of the epidemiologic data from Nevada compared with the overall US revealed significant differences in rates of oral cancer incidence and mortality. More specifically, oral cancer incidence increased in Nevada between 2012-2016 among all groups analyzed (Males, Females, White, Minority), while decreases were observed nationally among Females and Minorities. Although mortality in Nevada decreased over this same time period (in contrast to the national trends), the lag time between diagnosis (incidence) and mortality suggests that these trends will change in the near future. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Albreht

Abstract The speaker will present the Innovative Partnership for Action Against Cancer (iPAAC) Joint Action (JA), which is aiming to develop innovative approaches to advances in cancer control and a Roadmap on Implementation and Sustainability of Cancer Control Actions, identifying areas of relevance to AMR. The issue of AMR is an important issue in view of cancer management. It pertains both to the control of one of the pathogens clearly identified as conducive to cancer - Helicobacter pylori as well as to the issues arising from the vulnerability of the cancer patients in the course of oncological treatment. In the previous JA on Cancer Joint Action on Cancer Control (CanCon), an expert consensus process led to the conclusion that population-based screening for Helicobacter pylori, followed by antibiotic treatment at large scale could trigger AMR, even if it could offset some morbidity due to stomach cancer. It is clear that further research activity is necessary to explore this issue since stomach cancer remains a public health challenge. This is important because of late stage detection, resulting in poor survival. The other important issue is the need to protect cancer patients in treatment and beyond by securing effective antibiotic treatment for infections arising from their condition and/or following their treatment.


Author(s):  
Jaspreet Kaur ◽  
Taruna Kaura ◽  
Ayush Sharma ◽  
Ashish Kumar ◽  
M K Pangotra ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The state of Punjab in India qualifies for malaria elimination because the number of cases reported through routine surveillance is in decline. However, surveillance system prevalence mainly provides malaria trends. Therefore, a prospective epidemiological study was designed to estimate the malaria burden in the state. Methods District-wise annual parasite incidence (API) was used for identification of three strata, representing high, moderate and low API zones. A total of 0.9 million people from nine districts was under malaria surveillance for 1 y. The weighted estimates of API for the three regions was calculated and combined to give an estimate of API for the total population of the state. Results Based upon the primary data generated, malaria cases from high, moderate and low malaria-endemic areas were estimated to be 3727, 904 and 106, respectively. Further, the total number of malaria cases in the state was estimated to be 4737 (95% CI 4006 to 5469) cases per annum. Conclusion Actual burden of malaria in the state of Punjab, India, is about seven to eight times higher than that reported by routine surveillance activities. However, the state still qualifies for malaria elimination but needs vigorous efforts to strengthen the active surveillance and reporting system along with implementation of effective control strategies to achieve malaria elimination.


2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (11) ◽  
pp. 2023-2028
Author(s):  
Rísia L. Negreiros ◽  
José H.H. Grisi-Filho ◽  
Ricardo A. Dias ◽  
Fernando Ferreira ◽  
Valéria S.F. Homem ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT: The analysis of animal movement patterns may help identify farm premises with a potentially high risk of infectious disease introduction. Farm herd sizes and bovine movement data from 2007 in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, were analyzed. There are three different biomes in Mato Grosso: the Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal. The analysis of the animal trade between and within biomes would enable characterization of the connections between the biomes and the intensity of the internal trade within each biome. We conducted the following analyses: 1) the concentration of cattle on farm premises in the state and in each biome, 2) the number and relative frequency of cattle moved between biomes, and 3) the most frequent purposes for cattle movements. Twenty percent (20%) of the farm premises had 81.15% of the herd population. Those premises may be important not only for the spread of infectious diseases, but also for the implementation of surveillance and control strategies. Most of the cattle movement was intrastate (97.1%), and internal movements within each biome were predominant (88.6%). A high percentage of movement from the Pantanal was to the Cerrado (48.6%), the biome that received the most cattle for slaughter, fattening and reproduction (62.4%, 56.8%, and 49.1% of all movements for slaughter, fattening, and reproduction, respectively). The primary purposes for cattle trade were fattening (43.5%), slaughter (31.5%), and reproduction (22.7%). Presumably, movements for slaughter has a low risk of disease spread. In contrast, movements for fattening and reproduction purposes (66.2% of all movements) may contribute to an increased risk of the spread of infectious diseases.


2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Neizekhotuo Brian Shunyu ◽  
Judita Syiemlieh

ABSTRACT In India, 20 to 40% of all cancer arises in the head and neck region. The highest rate is seen in the eastern and southern regions of our country. The alarming high prevalence of head and neck cancer (HNC) in this region has prompted us to undertake this retrospective study. This study is to give the picture on the prevalence of HNC in the region, as such studies are lacking, till date. This is a 5 years retrospective study of cancer patients from 2007 to 2011 who have been registered in Civil Hospital, Shillong. The period of study is short as registry before 2007 was not properly recorded, but the high prevalence of cancer especially HNC warranted the need to undertake this retrospective study. During the 5-year period, there were a total of 3,123 cancer patients, registered in Civil Hospital, Shillong. In this study, HNC and esophageal cancer constitute 2,207 (70.67%) cases of the total body malignancy (TBM) which is much higher than other studies done in other parts of the country. Fourth decade is the most common age group comprising of 471 cases which accounts for 32.72% of all HNC. This high prevalence of HNC in the young population of the region is alarming and hence needs a comprehensive afford to meet this challenge. This paper, therefore, is an attempt to quantify the spectrum of HNC in the region hoping that this paper will help the health professionals to understand the burden of HNC in the region, so as to generate strategies for future planning. How to cite this article Shunyu NB, Syiemlieh J. Prevalence of Head and Neck Cancer in the State of Meghalaya: Hospital-based Study. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2013;4(1):1-5.


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