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European Journal of Applied Sciences – Vol. 12, No. 4
Publication Date: August 25, 2024
DOI:10.14738/aivp.124.17418.
Ondego, E. M., & Ochieng, L. A. (2024). Enhancing Cancer Registry Data for Comparative Research at the Nairobi Hospital.
European Journal of Applied Sciences, Vol - 12(4). 304-309.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Enhancing Cancer Registry Data for Comparative Research at the
Nairobi Hospital
Elvis M. Ondego
Department of Health Information Science & Research,
The Nairobi Hospital Oncology, The Nairobi Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
Lucy A. Ochieng
Department of Health Information Science & Research,
The Nairobi Hospital Oncology, The Nairobi Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
ABSTRACT
The global incidence of cancer is rising, with GLOBOCAN projecting over 1.27
million new cases and one million deaths by 2030. This trend underscores the
need for robust cancer registries to inform policy, healthcare financing, and
resource allocation. High-quality cancer registry data is essential for comparative
effectiveness research, which evaluates the efficacy of different treatments and
interventions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of
various cancer types by age and gender among patients at The Nairobi Hospital
(TNH). A retrospective cohort review of 362 patient records from TNH was
conducted. Data were collected from confirmed cancer cases using ICDO and IARC
guidelines and analyzed using CANREG-5 and Excel 2016. Among the 362 cases,
34% were male and 66% were female. Cervical cancer was most prevalent (30%),
followed by prostate and breast cancers (13% each). Age-specific data showed the
highest cancer prevalence in males aged 60-75 and females aged 45-59. Childhood
cancers were less than 2%. The study highlights the importance of enhancing
cancer registry data for effective cancer care and policy-making.
Keywords: Cancer registry, comparative effectiveness research, data quality, data
integration, data analysis, Nairobi Hospital
INTRODUCTION
Hospital-based cancer registries (HBCR) and population-based cancer registries (PBCR) are
crucial for understanding cancer incidence and trends within healthcare facilities and defined
populations. Despite the rising global burden of cancer, data on cancer incidences in Kenya
remain sparse, with existing PBCRs covering less than 10% of the population (Ferlay et al.,
2020; Bray &Parkin, 2009). Establishing comprehensive HBCRs is essential for policy-making,
healthcare planning, and improving cancer care. The increasing incidence of cancer in sub- Saharan Africa demands urgent measures to guide policy, healthcare financing, and resource
allocation. Estimated cancer incidence has doubled in sub-Saharan Africa over the past 30
years, leading to more than 520,000 deaths in 2020. Unless steps are taken to reverse the
trends, annual cancer deaths in sub-Saharan Africa will likely reach 1 million by 2030, with
incidence doubling again by 2040 (Jensen et al., 1991; Parkin et al., 2009). Factors driving the
increases include infection, aging populations, and behavioral changes such as diet, alcohol
use, smoking, environmental exposures, and genetics. However, the lack of comprehensive
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Ondego, E. M., & Ochieng, L. A. (2024). Enhancing Cancer Registry Data for Comparative Research at the Nairobi Hospital. European Journal of
Applied Sciences, Vol - 12(4). 304-309.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/aivp.124.17418
data has hindered effective planning and intervention. A robust hospital-based cancer registry
at TNH can provide critical insights into cancer trends and support comparative effectiveness
research.
This study aims to enhance the cancer registry at TNH to support comparative effectiveness
research, ultimately improving patient outcomes. The registry will compile data on cancer
incidence, mortality, and trends, facilitating research and informing healthcare strategies.
Research Objectives
1. Determine the prevalence and distribution of various cancer types by age and gender
at TNH.
2. Analyze the data using ICDO and IARC guidelines.
3. Utilize CANREG-5 and Excel 2016 for data analysis.
4. Inform policy-making and healthcare planning through enhanced cancer registry data.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Cancer registries have evolved from merely describing cancer patterns to supporting cancer
control activities and patient care. They provide essential data for epidemiological research
and healthcare planning (Curado et al., 2007; Forman et al., 2014). The establishment of a
comprehensive cancer registry at TNH aligns with global trends and supports the objectives
of the Kenyan Ministry of Health and the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) (Fritz et
al., 2000; Percy et al., 1990).
High-quality cancer registry data can enhance the understanding of cancer trends, improve
patient care, and inform healthcare strategies (Parkin et al., 2002; Young et al., 2001). For
instance, data on cancer incidence and mortality rates can help identify high-risk populations,
inform screening and prevention programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions
(Jensen et al., 1991; Bray &Parkin, 2009).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study Design
A retrospective cohort review was conducted using data from 362 cancer patients at TNH,
collected from 2017 to 2022. This study employed a comprehensive approach to data
collection, extraction, and analysis to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the findings.
Data Collection
Data were extracted using the CANREG-5 tool and standardized forms following ICDO and
IARC guidelines (Forman et al., 2014). The information was collected from medical records,
wards, and laboratory departments, ensuring a thorough and representative dataset.
Inclusion Criteria
1. Patients with confirmed cancer cases treated at TNH.
2. Data from medical records, wards, and laboratory departments.
Exclusion Criteria
1. Patients without confirmed cancer diagnoses.
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European Journal of Applied Sciences (EJAS) Vol. 12, Issue 4, August-2024
2. Patients treated outside TNH.
Data Analysis
Analysis was performed using CANREG-5 and Excel 2016. The results were presented as bar
graphs depicting frequencies and percentages, providing a clear visual representation of the
data.
Ethical Considerations
Permission was obtained from the Research & Ethics Committee of The Nairobi Hospital,
ensuring that the study adhered to ethical standards and guidelines for research involving
human subjects.
RESULTS & DISCUSSION
Results
Out of 362 cancer cases, 34% were male and 66% were female. The most prevalent cancers
were cervical (30%), prostate (13%), and breast (13%). Age-specific data showed a higher
prevalence in males aged 60-75 and females aged 45-59. Childhood cancers were less than
2%. This distribution indicates a higher prevalence of cancer among females, aligning with
global trends observed in GLOBOCAN reports, where cancers such as cervical and breast
cancer predominantly affect women.
Prevalent Cancer Types
• Cervical Cancer: Representing 30% of the cases, cervical cancer is a significant public
health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to
preventive measures like HPV vaccination and regular screening is limited.
• Prostate Cancer: Accounting for 13% of the cases, prostate cancer shows considerable
prevalence among males. GLOBOCAN data indicates that prostate cancer is a leading
cancer affecting men globally, with increasing incidence in various regions due to
better diagnostic practices and longer life expectancy.
• Breast Cancer: Also constituting 13% of the cases, breast cancer remains a major
health issue for females. GLOBOCAN reports identify it as the most common cancer
among women worldwide, with higher incidence rates in developed countries but
significant mortality in developing regions due to late diagnosis and limited treatment
options.
Age-Specific Prevalence
The age-specific prevalence data revealed a higher incidence of cancer in males aged 60-75
years and females aged 45-59 years. This pattern is consistent with global trends from
GLOBOCAN, which highlight age as a critical risk factor for cancer, with incidence rates
generally increasing with age due to cumulative exposure to risk factors and biological aging
processes.
Childhood Cancers
Childhood cancers constituted less than 2% of the cases, consistent with global patterns
where childhood cancers represent a small fraction of the total cancer burden. GLOBOCAN