REVIEW OF TUMORS OPERATED AT THE KIGALI UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL (KUTH) OVER ONE YEAR PERIOD

Introduction: Cancer is often perceived to be a low priority for health care services in Sub-Saharan Africa. The reason is undoubtedly the overwhelming burden of communicable diseases, According to the 2002 estimates of cancer incidence for the Sub-Saharan Africa region, about half a million (530,000) new cases of cancer occurred annually, 251,000 in males and 279,000 in females. Overall, world-standardized cancer rates were estimated to be 133 per 100,000 females and 136 per 100,000 males.
Objectives: The aim was to review all the cases operated on in the department of surgery of the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (KUTH) under a clinical or operative diagnosis of “tumor”.
Methods: Operating logs at the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (KUTH) were reviewed for patient demographics: age, gender, residence and diagnosis.
Results: Between October 1st 2012 and September 2013; 2719 patients underwent surgical interventions among them, 184 operated for tumors or suspected cancer. The average age was 42.5 yr. From 4 to 84 years old and 48.4% were male. In 82% of these patients a strong per-operative suspicion of malignancy was entertained.
Conclusion: There is a significant proportion of tumor/cancer related operations in CHUK. These calls or a greater awareness of these conditions and a subsequent strengthening of the allied services for an optimal patient care.