Ndubueze Ezemba1, Eyo E Ekpe, John C Eze. 1. Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. ndubueze.ezemba@unn.edu.ng
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The investigation of pulmonary neoplasm in Nigeria is hampered by lack of investigative tools and religio-cultural beliefs that detest autopsy. However, recent publications seem to suggest an increasing incidence of this lesion in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 30-month prospective study of all cases of lung cancer seen at a tertiary health institution in Nigeria was done to document the incidence and challenges of management in the region. RESULTS: Fifty one new cases of primary carcinoma of the lung were identified during the study period. The age ranged from 30-81 years, mean 56.6 +/- 21.6 years and male:female ratio of 2.4:1. The age-standardized incidence rate was 7.9 per 100.000 with a peak in the 60-69 year age group. In 42% of the males there was cigarette smoking history. Adenocarcinoma of the lung was the predominant histologic subtype, and treatment was largely palliative. CONCLUSION: The incidence of lung cancer in South East Nigeria is on the increase even in the absence of state-of-the-art diagnostic modalities. The high prevalence of cigarette smoking amongst the males is a call for the intensification of the preventive measures against tobacco use.
BACKGROUND: The investigation of pulmonary neoplasm in Nigeria is hampered by lack of investigative tools and religio-cultural beliefs that detest autopsy. However, recent publications seem to suggest an increasing incidence of this lesion in Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 30-month prospective study of all cases of lung cancer seen at a tertiary health institution in Nigeria was done to document the incidence and challenges of management in the region. RESULTS: Fifty one new cases of primary carcinoma of the lung were identified during the study period. The age ranged from 30-81 years, mean 56.6 +/- 21.6 years and male:female ratio of 2.4:1. The age-standardized incidence rate was 7.9 per 100.000 with a peak in the 60-69 year age group. In 42% of the males there was cigarette smoking history. Adenocarcinoma of the lung was the predominant histologic subtype, and treatment was largely palliative. CONCLUSION: The incidence of lung cancer in South East Nigeria is on the increase even in the absence of state-of-the-art diagnostic modalities. The high prevalence of cigarette smoking amongst the males is a call for the intensification of the preventive measures against tobacco use.
Authors: Adesola Oluwafunmilola Olumide; Amir Shmueli; Olayemi O Omotade; Emmanuel S Adebayo; Temitope O Alonge; Gabriel O Ogun Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2021-04-24 Impact factor: 2.692