Incidence of Cervical, Ovarian and Uterine Cancer in Eritrea: Data from the National Health Laboratory, 2011-2017

The main objective of this study was to investigate the incidence of cervical (C53), ovarian (C56) and uterine (C54-55) cancers in pathology department of the National Health Laboratory of Eritrea between 2011 and 2017. All tumour positive cases from cervix, ovary and uterus diagnosed between 2011 and 2017 were analyzed, based on the data from the pathology department available in National Health Laboratory. We summarized the results by using crude incidence rates (CIR) and age-standardized rates (ASRs). Annual percentage changes (APCs) for each site were calculated and compared according to ten-year age difference and year of occurrence. Between 2011 and 2017, 883 cases of cervical, ovarian and uterine tumours were reported in Eritrea. Malignant and benign tumours/entities comprising 269 and 614, respectively. The ASR for malignant tumours was highest in women aged between 60-69 (6.84 per 100 000). Total ASR for specific gynecological cancers (cervical, ovarian, uterine) was 19.32 per 100 000 females. The ASR for cervical cancer over the study period was 8.7 per 100 000. The ASR for ovarian and uterine cancers were 6.75 per 100 000 and 5.14 per 100 000, respectively. Over the study period, the incidence of these cancers was largely stable with no significant change in incidence rates recorded. In sum, the ASR for cervical cancer is relatively low compared to the rates reported in the region. Further, the ASR for ovarian and uterine cancers is nearly similar to the rates observed in this region. The study also provides ample evidence on the need for research targeted at uncovering the true burden of gynecological cancers in Eritrea. Potential solutions will require the establishment of high-quality population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) and long-term commitment to improvements in research platforms, training, screening, diagnosis, and the overall management of cancers in the country.