Caring for patients with surgically resectable cancers: experience from a specialised centre in rural Rwanda
Year: 2014
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: SETTING: Butaro Cancer Centre of Excellence (BCCOE), Burera District, Rwanda. OBJECTIVES: To describe characteristics, management and 6-month outcome of adult patients presenting with potentially surgically resectable cancers. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of patients presenting between 1 July and 31 December 2012. RESULTS: Of 278 patients, 76.6% were female, 51.4% were aged 50-74 years and 75% were referred from other district or tertiary hospitals in Rwanda. For the 250 patients with treatment details, 115 (46%) underwent surgery, with or without chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Median time from admission to surgery was 21 days (IQR 2-91). Breast cancer was the most common type of cancer treated at BCCOE, while other forms of cancer (cervical, colorectal and head and neck) were mainly operated on in tertiary facilities. Ninety-nine patients had no treatment; 52% of these were referred out within 6 months, primarily for palliative care. At 6 months, 6.8% had died or were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: Surgical care was provided for many cancer patients referred to BCCOE. However, challenges such as inadequate surgical infrastructure and skills, and patients presenting late with advanced and unresectable disease can limit the ability to manage all cases. This study highlights opportunities and challenges in cancer care relevant to other hospitals in rural settings.
Source: Public Health Action
DOI: 10.5588/pha.14.0002
Institutions: Partners In Health, Harvard University, Ministry of Health, Butaro Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Language: English
Topic: Global Health and Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2022558739