Gynaecological Cancers in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria: A Six Year Review

Abstract

Background: Gynaecological cancers are a major cause of cancer-related mortality with varying prevalence in different parts of the world.

Aim: To determine the distribution and relative frequencies of gynaecological cancers in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar.

Materials and methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study of gynaecological cancers in UCTH. Records of patients admitted with gynaecological cancers from the 1^st January 2013 to 31^st December 2018 were retrieved from the medical records department. Data obtained were entered into Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analysed using STATA-16.

Results: A total of 272 gynaecological malignancies out of 2916 women admitted during the six-year-study period giving a prevalence rate of 9.33%. Cervical cancer was the most prevalent with 157(57.7%), followed by Ovarian 57(21%) and endometrial 15(14.7%), while Vulvar, vaginal and choriocarcinoma were less prevalent. The mean age incidence 52.9±12.0 years. Parity was significantly associated with the type of the tumour (p-value <0.001) Ovarian cancers were more prevalent in nulliparous women or those with low parity (0-1) while cervical cancer was more prevalent in those with parity more than 4. Majority 236(86.8%) were indigenes of South-south. Notwithstanding, Cervical cancer was still the most prevalent in all tribal groups.

Conclusion: Gynaecological cancers especially cervical cancer, remain a recalcitrant and prevalent problem affecting women at the prime of their lives. Collective collaboration of individuals, government and public is required for improved sensitization, awareness, and screening of women for premalignant lesions and early detection and treatment for reduction in its prevalence.