Cervical cancer management in a low resource setting: A 10-year review in a tertiary care hospital in Kenya.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2024

Publication Title

Gynecol Oncol Rep

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality among women in Kenya due to late presentations, poor access to health care, and limited resources. Across many low- and middle-income countries infrastructure and human resources for cervical cancer management are currently insufficient to meet the high population needs therefore patients are not able to get appropriate treatment.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the clinicopathological characteristics and the treatment profiles of cervical cancer cases seen at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).

METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at MTRH involving the review of the electronic database and medical charts of 1541 patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of cervical cancer between January 2012 and December 2021.

RESULTS: Of the 1541 cases analyzed, 91% were squamous cell carcinomas, 8% were adenocarcinomas, and 1% were other histological types. Thirty-eight percent of the patients were HIV infected and less than 30% of the women had health insurance. A majority (75%) of the patients presented with advanced-stage disease (stage IIB-IV). Only 13.9% received chemoradiotherapy with curative intent; of which 33.8% received suboptimal treatment. Of the 13% who received surgical treatment, 45.3% required adjuvant therapy, of which only 27.5% received treatment. Over 40% of the women were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Most of the patients with cervical cancer in Kenya present at advanced stages with only a third receiving the necessary treatment while the majority receive only palliative treatment or supportive care.

Volume

51

First Page

101331

Last Page

101331

DOI

10.1016/j.gore.2024.101331

ISSN

2352-5789

PubMed ID

38379666

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