ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Prostate cancer and challenges in management in a semi-urban centre: A 10-year experience
Chike John Okeke1, Anselm Okwudili Obi1, Rufus Wale Ojewola2, Emmanuel Ajibola Jeje2, Chukwudi Ogonnaya Okorie1, Emmaunel Nwali Afogu1, Uchechukwu Ugonna Ogbobe1, Augustine Obasi Ulebe1, Chinonso Odo1, Emmanuel Ugwuidu1
1 Department of Surgery, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State/Department of Surgery, Ebonyi State University/Alex-Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
2 Department of Surgery of the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, IdiAraba, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Chike John Okeke
Department of Surgery, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
Nigeria
Source of Support: None
Conflict of Interest: None
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Introduction: Prostate cancer (CaP) is the second most common cancer in men and the fifth most common cancer worldwide. The incidence in Nigeria is rising. Numerous challenges exist that prevent the successful management of these patients in this subregion.
Aims and Objective: This study aimed to report on the modes of presentation and difficulties encountered in managing patients with CaP in our environment with a view to finding solutions to these challenges.
Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of all CaP patients who were managed in Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria over a 10-year period from 2012 to 2021. Data were collated using a pro forma. Numerical data were summarized as means, median, and standard deviation, whereas categorical data were summarized as frequencies. Statistical significance was pegged at P < 0.05.
Results: Seventy-three patients were analysed. The mean age of the patients was 71.48 ± 8.15 years. The three most common presenting complaints were lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) 23 (31.5%), acute urinary retention 9 (12.3%), and LUTS with low back pain 9 (12.3%). The median duration of symptoms was 6.5 months. No difference was noted among educational level, occupation, and stage of CaP, (P=0.222 and P=0.548), respectively. The median total prostate-specific antigen was 85.0 ng/mL. Sixty-seven patients (91.8%) had an abdominopelvic ultrasound scan. Fifty patients (68.5%) had stage 4 disease. Thirty-eight (52.1%) had financial constraints. Forty-nine (67.1%) patients were lost to follow-up. Bilateral orchidectomy was offered to 28 (38.4%) patients.
Conclusion: Financial constraint was a huge barrier in the management of CaP patients in this study. Late presentation was common in this study.
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