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Incidence and frequency rates of childhood cancer in Namibia

G Wessels1, P B Hesseling

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, W Cape.

South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
|July 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Childhood cancer incidence in Namibia is lower than in developed nations, with central nervous system tumours being most common. Cancer rates show a mix of African and industrialised country patterns.

Area of Science:

  • Paediatric Oncology
  • Epidemiology
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Childhood cancer presents a significant global health challenge, with varying incidence and patterns across different regions.
  • Understanding the epidemiology of paediatric malignancies is crucial for resource allocation and targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and frequency of paediatric malignancies in Namibia.
  • To compare these findings with established childhood cancer rates in other countries.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using a 6-year survey of childhood cancer data in Namibia (1983-1988).
  • Incidence and frequency rates were calculated for 163 children under 15 years diagnosed with malignant neoplasms, intracranial tumours, or histiocytosis.

Main Results:

  • The overall childhood cancer incidence in Namibia was 55.5 per million children.
  • Central nervous system tumours were the most frequent (18%), followed by renal tumours (14%), leukaemia (12%), and lymphoma (11.5%).
  • Incidence rates for retinoblastoma, renal tumours, bone tumours, and soft-tissue sarcomas showed similarities to rates in other African countries or Western nations, while leukaemia and lymphoma rates were lower than in central Africa or developed countries.

Conclusions:

  • The incidence patterns of childhood cancer in Namibia exhibit characteristics of both African and industrialised country profiles.
  • These findings highlight the unique epidemiological landscape of paediatric malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa.
Abstract

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