Title : Presentation and types of childhood cancer at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), 2023
Abstract:
Background: In tanzania, the incidence of childhood cancer is approximately 1.4 per 100,000 children. However, many cases are diagnosed at advanced stages due to limited access to healthcare, which negatively impacts survival rates and places a heavy burden on the healthcare system. This study aimed to investigate the types, clinical presentations, and factors affecting the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancers at muhimbili national hospital.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling. The study population comprised children under 18 years of age diagnosed with cancer or hematologic malignancies in the pediatric oncology department at muhimbili national hospital (MNH). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and chi-square (χ²) tests and one-way ANOVA were employed to examine associations among variables. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. ArcGIS 10.3 was used to develop a distribution map of patients across tanzanian regions to examine the relationship between geographical location and type of cancer.
Results: A total of 141 pediatric patients were included. The most common types of cancer among children aged 1–5 years were blastomas and leukemia. The Sukuma ethnic group had the highest number of cases, and most patients were from dar es Salaam. Common clinical presentations included abdominal masses and distention. Significant associations were found between family history of cancer and cancer type (p = 0.004), as well as between disease stage and treatment response (p = 0.006). Age distribution varied significantly across different cancer types (p < 0.001). However, no significant link was found between cancer type and history of chronic illness or environmental exposure.
Conclusion: Childhood cancer in tanzania has a high mortality rate, with most patients diagnosed at advanced stages. Financial constraints and limited caregiver education often prevent completion of treatment. These findings highlight the need for early diagnosis, better access to care, and improved public education to enhance survival outcomes and reduce the burden on the healthcare system. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including improved early detection strategies, enhanced diagnostic facilities, and better-trained medical personnel.
Keywords: childhood cancer, chemotherapy, malignancies, late-stage diagnosis.
