Prostate cancer in Maiduguri

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Urology
• Public Health

Background:

• Prostate cancer is a significant global health concern, with rising incidence in Black populations.
• Limited data exists on prostate cancer demographics and clinical presentation in North-eastern Nigeria.
• This study addresses the scarcity of information on prostate cancer in the region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinico-pathological features of prostate cancer in North-eastern Nigeria.
• To evaluate the management strategies employed for prostate cancer patients.
• To provide insights into the challenges and outcomes of prostate cancer care in the region.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of clinical records and histopathological slides of prostate cancer patients from 1987 to 2004.
• Inclusion of data from the hospital's cancer registry for comprehensive analysis.
• Utilized digital rectal examination (DRE), ultrasound (USS), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests for diagnosis, confirmed by trucut prostatic biopsy.

Main Results:

• Prostate cancer represented 6.15% of all cancers diagnosed, affecting 165 patients.
• The majority of patients (56%) were 65 years or younger, presenting with symptoms mimicking benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
• Most cases were advanced at diagnosis; subcapsular orchidectomy was the common palliative treatment, with poor follow-up rates (26% at 3 years).

Conclusions:

• Prostate cancer should be suspected in men aged 50 and above with symptoms of prostatism.
• Prompt investigation and diagnosis are essential due to late presentation.
• Aggressive screening programs for men in this age group are recommended to facilitate early detection.