Abstract
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Background: Adolescents and young adults with cancer face distinct tumour biology, treatment needs, and survivorship challenges, yet remain underrepresented in cancer research from sub-Saharan Africa. Robust characterisation is essential to inform age-specific oncology services. We evaluated the clinical characteristics and treatment patterns of AYA cancer at a tertiary centre in Lagos, Nigeria.
Methods: In this retrospective descriptive study, we reviewed records of AYAs aged 18–39 years with a confirmed cancer diagnosis. Variables included sex, age, year of diagnosis, primary tumour site, stage, treatment modalities, comorbidities, and outcomes. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics.
Results: Among 87 patients, 68 (78.2%) were female and 19 (21.8%) were male; most were
aged 34–39 years (53; 60.9%). Most diagnoses occurred in 2023 (32; 36.8%) and 2024 (27; 31.0%). Breast cancer was the predominant malignancy overall (51; 58.6%) and among females (75.0%), while liver cancer led in males (21.1%). Tumour distribution differed significantly by sex and age group: breast cancer predominated at ages 26–39 years and bone cancer at 18–25 years. Stage IV disease was documented in 32 (36.8%), with advanced-stage presentation common across all age groups. Treatment was received by 65 (74.7%), most frequently surgery (41; 63.1%) and chemotherapy (40; 61.5%); comorbidities affected 26 (29.9%).
Conclusion: This AYA cohort was characterised by female and breast-cancer predominance and frequent late-stage presentation, with tumour distribution varying significantly by sex and age. These findings represent persistent gaps in early detection among Nigerian AYAs and support the development of age-tailored screening, referral, and treatment pathways to strengthen AYA oncology care in resource-limited settings.
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