Survival rate of cervical cancer: A five year review at the national center for radiotherapy and nuclear medicine, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra. Ghana

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most deadly cancer, causing more than 273,000 deaths each year. Cervical cancer accounts for 2.1% of all deaths and 9% of female cancer deaths. The International Agency for Cancer Research estimated that in 2013, 3038 Ghanaian women developed cervical cancer and more than 80% Ghanaian women died of the disease. This high mortality is due to lack of information and knowledge as well as inadequate diagnoses and treatment. It was estimated that 6.67 million women over the age of 15 were currently at risk of developing cervical cancer in Ghana. The study aimed at determining the five-year survival rate of cervical cancer patients who received radiotherapy at the National Center for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (NCRNM), Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. Methods: A quantitative retrospective cohort design was used for this study. Medical records of cervical cancer patients who received radiotherapy in 2007 were obtained from the records office. Descriptive statistics was used to determine frequencies and percentages of tumour stage, age and other factors and their effect on the overall survival rates of patients. The study was carried with ethical approval from Ethics and Protocol Review Committee, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Results: A total of 100 cervical cancer patients were followed and 76 responded. Forty-one percent (41%) five-year survival rate was noted in the study. It was further noted that patients who received radical radiotherapy recorded 86.7% survival rate. The age range of the participants was between 30-90 years. The total of 56 patients received radical radiotherapy whilst the remaining 20 patients received palliative radiotherapy Conclusion: Patients treated at the radiotherapy department of the Korle- Bu Teaching Hospital in 2007 have 41% survival rate compared to the USA, which is about 59% in African Americans and 69% in Hispanics. The overall survival rate was influenced by the age and stage at which patients presented. The poor rate of survival compared to other countries could be attributed to delayed presentation because of lack of access to screening, and poor awareness of the disease. Also, the absence of appropriate followup structure after the cervical cancer treatment may have influenced their life negatively.