Incidences and Trends of Lung Cancer in Western Kenya for the Period Between 2012-2016

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer diagnosis has been a challenge in western Kenya due to the technicalities related to screening and diagnostic procedures. The burden in the adult population is largely unknown, as most patients are managed for Pulmonary Tuberculosis, since both have similar clinical manifestations. The Eldoret Cancer Registry (ECR) provides statistics and epidemiologic profile across western region of Kenya. Aim: The aim of this study is to establish lung cancer incidences in relation to year of diagnosis, age, gender and stage at diagnosis across western Kenya region. Methods: A retrospective review of all cases of lung cancer disease diagnosed at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital from 2012 to 2016 were identified from the ECR. Data on year of incidence, age, gender, stage at diagnosis and county of origin was analyzed Results: Out of the 60 patients diagnosed with lung cancer, the findings were as follows: In 2012 there were 11 cases representing 18.3%, 2013 10 cases (16.7%), 2014, 12 cases (20%), 2015 12 cases (20%) and 2016, 15 cases (25%). Incidences by age were in the following cohorts; 0-27 years 1 case representing 1.7%, 30-39 years (4) 6.7%, 40-49 years (8) 13.3%, 50-59 years (17) 28.3%, 60-69 years (12) 20%, 70-79 years (15) 25%, above 80 years (3) 5%. Incidences by gender: male had 38 cases at 63.3% and female had 22 cases at 36.7%. Incidence by stage at diagnosis; stage iv (6) 10%, unknown stage (54) 90%. Conclusion: 2016 had the highest incidence and may be associated with the increased awareness on screening services at MTRH. Most cases were between 50-79 years and could be attributed to the slow disease progression and delays in early diagnosis. Higher incidences were in males and may be related to susceptibilities to risks factors such as smoking and industrial fumes respectively. There's need for early diagnosis and disease staging as most cases were at stage 4 and unknown.