Gastric Cancer in Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: Less than a century ago, Gastric cancer was the most common cancer in the world. Despite its worldwide decline over the past century, it remains a major killer across the globe. Information on gastric cancer in developing countries and especially Africa remains low.

Aim: Assess prevalence of gastric cancer among patients presenting with dyspepsia

Methodology: This was a retrospective study to determine the prevalence of gastric cancer among patients with dyspepsia referred for upper GI Endoscopy between June 2014 and June 2016. Source of information was reports made at endoscopy. Patient reports included Age, Gender, reason for referral [presenting symptoms], and findings on oesophagus, OG junction, stomach and Duodenum. Biopsy specimens were taken from any swellings, erosions, erythematous areas, ulcers and any other abnormal looking areas. They were preserved in 10% formal saline and sent for histology. Reports from histology were then linked to the endoscopy reports after reporting.

Data analysis: Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. The analysis included running of frequency tables [Descriptive statistics] and cross correlations were calculated using Fishers exact chi square test owing to the small sample size.

Results: One thousand two hundred patients underwent OGD over the 2 years. Forty four patients seen over the 2 years had gastric cancer giving a prevalence of 3.67%. Twenty seven of the patients with gastric cancer were males and 17 were females giving female to male ration of 1.1.8. Diffuse gastric cancer was the most common followed by intestinal type. Females tended to get gastric cancer at a younger age than males.

Conclusion: The prevalence of gastric cancer is relatively high. Males are affected more than females. Diffuse gastric cancer is more common like other parts of the world.