Assessing the Types and Trends of Cancer Cases Presenting at the Sweden Ghana Medical Center, a Five Year Review (2017 -2021)

Abstract

Background: Despite advances in cancer research and treatment, it remains the second leading cause of death globally. According to the global cancer statistics report in 2020, an estimated 19.3 million cases of cancer, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, were reported. The mortality rate during the same period was 10 million. There is limited evidence of comprehensive cancer trends in sub-Saharan Africa and Ghana. Available data report trends for specific cancers, such as breast cancer, at specific treatment sites. This study aimed at assessing the sociodemographic characteristics of patients, the types and temporal trends of cancer cases presenting for treatment at the Swedish Ghana Medical Center. Methodology: It is a descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study of cancer cases which presented at the SGMC between 2017 to 2021. Each cancer was grouped under body site classification in accordance with the National Cancer Institute’s Classification by body site. De-identified data from the SGMC’s hospital information system was extracted into excel format and coded for analysis. STATA(version 17) and excel data tools were used for the analysis. The variables included age, sex, occupation, nationality, diagnosis and time (date of registration). Descriptive analysis was employed to show the frequency distribution of the various cancers, using bar charts, trend charts and probability density charts. Conclusion: The study showed a growing trend in cancers for the five-year interval understudied. Breast cancers emerged the leading cancers, followed by prostate, cervical and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The findings call for a concerted effort to put in public health intervention for the awareness and prevention of cancers.