Prevalence, Grades and Management of Prostate Cancer among Men Attending Oncology Unit at Bugando Medical Centre Mwanza, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer in men after lung cancer, it accounts for 3.8% of all deaths caused by cancer in men worldwide. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, grades and management of prostate cancer among male patients admitted with cancer at Oncology Department of Bugando Medical Centre. Methodology: This was a hospital-based retrospective cross-section study that retrieved data from 384 medical files of male patients admitted with cancer in Oncology wards at Bugando Medical Centre from January 2017 to December 2020. Results: The prevalence of prostate cancer was 39.84% (153 of 384 male patients). The mean age of patients with prostate cancer was 64.85 years ± 14.59 years. Two third of the patients’ prostate cancer were graded at presentation and of these, 52.58% (51 of 97) were having a high grade prostate cancer of Gleason scores 8, 9 or 10. Treatment involved hormonal therapy, chemotherapy and Radiotherapy whereby 49.48% (n = 190) were treated with hormonal therapy (Goserelin and Bicalutamide), 32.03% (n = 123) with combination of hormonal and chemotherapy, (Goserelin, bicalutamide and docetaxel or paclitaxel), 15.69% (n = 60) with combination of radiotherapy and hormonal therapy and 2.6% (n = 11) with chemotherapy alone (Docetaxel). Conclusion: The study found high prevalence of prostate cancer among male patients, majority with high grade form and limited options of treatment. Frequent screening and awareness programs should be conducted to enable early detection to reduce its morbidity and mortality. Patient on treatment should be followed up to determine their response to treatments.