OUTCOME OF MANAGEMENT OF CERVICAL CANCER PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN SOUTH WESTERN, NIGERIA

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria and is rated as the fourth most prevalent worldwide. While improved survival rates have occurred in high-income countries, consequent to wide screening and adequate treatment, survival remains poor in low-income countries, including Nigeria.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the survival rates of cervical cancer patients, their socio-demographic and clinic-pathologic characteristics and factors that influence their outcomes.

Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic characteristics and treatment details were obtained from the case notes and treatment cards of patients who presented to the Radiation Oncology Department of University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria from 2006 to 2015. Survival analyses were done using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression.

Results: A total of 544 patients were included. The age of patients ranged from 25 to 90 years, with a mean age of 55.49 years ±11.69. Majority of the patients, 88.6%, had squamous cell carcinoma, while 72.9% presented with stage IIB or more advanced diseases. The 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 69.6% [SE ±0.026] and 45.8% [SE ±0.034], respectively. Poorer survival was associated with anemia, leukocytosis, high urea and creatinine levels at presentation, the presence of hydronephrosis at presentation, elderly patients, non-squamous cell carcinoma histology, late stage at presentation, and positive HIV status.

Conclusion: In Nigeria, cervical cancer is characterized by a dismal survival rate. Therefore, the institution of widespread cervical cancer screening, HPV vaccination and provision of affordable treatment options will help improve the survival of patients with the disease.