Profile of Cancer in Addis Ababa: From the only Population Based Cancer Registry in Ethiopia (2012-2021)

Abstract

AbstractBackground:The incidence of Cancer is increasing worldwide; it is estimated to increase from over 14 million in 2012 to 22 million by the year 2030, with a significant increase in low- and middle-income countries. Data from population-based cancer registries are the only reliable source to monitor the incidence, pattern, and trend of Cancer. The first population-based registry in Ethiopia was established in 2012 to collect data on topography, age and sex distribution, and profile and trend of Cancer in Addis Ababa City.Objective:The primary aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and temporal distribution of cancer within the urban confines of Addis Ababa over the course of the period spanning from 2012 to 2021.Methods All invasive cancer cases diagnosed among Addis Ababa residents from January 2012 to December 2021 were included. The frequency of Cancer by tumor site, sex, and age group in the study period was presented. The age-standardized incidence rates and cumulative incidence rates for the top ten cancer types for males and females were calculated. Age-specific rate by 5-year interval was graphically presented to show the distribution of cases by age group for the top five cancers. Cancer trend was assessed using joint regression analysis and adjusted standard rates.Results:A total of 25,391 invasive cancers were diagnosed from January 2012 to December 2021 in Addis Ababa, with two-thirds of the cases occurring in females. The median age at diagnosis was 50 years for females and 52 years for males. Forty-three percent of the cases occurred in age <50 years in females compared to 29% of the cases in men.The three most common cancers among females were breast (35%), cervix uteri (14%), and colorectal (6.8%). Colorectal Cancer (13.5%), prostate (8.8%), and Lymphoma (8.5%) were the top three among males. For both sexes combined, female breast, cervix, and colorectal cancers account for 40% of total cases. For all cancer types combined, the age-standardized rate in females (138.9 cases/100,000) was twice higher than in males (76.2cases/100,000). Likewise, the lifetime probability of developing Cancer was considerably higher in females than in males (14.65% versus 8.45%), with 4.38% and 2.51% for breast and cervical Cancer,respectively. In males, colorectalCancer has the highest rate (1.26%), followed by prostate cancer (1.15%).ConclusionsBreast, cervical, and colorectal cancers account for four in ten cancer cases diagnosed in Addis Ababa; this underscores the need for the implementation of proven preventive and screening measures to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these cancers.[Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2023; 37(4): 00-00]Keywords: Cancer Registry, Cancer Incidence, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia