SEX DISPARITY IN CANCER OCCURRENCE AND TREATMENT AMONG CANCER PATIENTS: A 2-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE ONCOLOGY UNIT, FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, GOMBE
2 Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Gombe State University, Gombe State, Nigeria.
3 Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Gombe State University/ Federal Teaching Hospital 760253 GSU, Gombe State-Nigeria.
* Corresponding author: khadijatabobbo@ngjoncology.com
Abstract
Background: Sexual disparity in cancer prevalence and treatment approaches is a crucial factor in achieving effective cancer treatment and management globally. This study aimed to investigate gender-specific patterns of cancer types and treatments among patients in Nigeria.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of different cancer types and associated treatment modalities, highlighting any sexual dimorphism among patients attending the Oncology Unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, Nigeria, between 2022 and 2024.
Methods: This was a two-year (2022-2024) retrospective study. Data on patient demographics, cancer types, and treatment modalities were systematically collected from oncology ward records at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe.
Results: A higher overall prevalence of cancer was observed in females. Gynecological cancers (cervical and ovarian) and breast cancer are the most common among females, while prostate and gastrointestinal (GIT) cancers are predominant in males. Cancers are treated either as a standalone therapy or in combination. No significant gender difference was found in the use of standalone chemotherapy. However, combination therapy involving chemotherapy and surgery was more common in male patients, while other multi-modal treatments incorporating radiotherapy, surgery, and brachytherapy were less frequent across both genders.
Conclusion: Significant gender disparities in cancer types and treatment patterns exist among patients at the Oncology Unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe. Females showed higher overall cancer incidence, primarily with breast and gynecological cancers, while males exhibited higher rates of prostate and GIT cancers. Gender differences were observed in treatment modalities, likely influenced by the anatomical locations of organs, such as the deep ovary versus the more superficial prostate.
Keywords
