Malignant Diseases in Jos: A Follow Up

Background: Cancer non-communicable disease was believed to be rare in the tropics. With gradual adoption of western life style, malignant tumours have continued to be a significant cause of morbidity in our enviroment. The past decade has witnessed increased rate of cancers in various centers in Nigeria. This is as a result of campaign mounted by Nigeria cancer society and more health centers have established oncology units there by facilitating better management for these patients. Methods: Records of all cancers in the department of Pathology were retrospectively examined over a period of 15 years. The information was broken into two 1985-1994 and 1995-2002.This period correspond with the time which cancer society and the Teaching Hospital started free cancer screening programmes. Results: There was over 53% increase in the proportion of cancers between 1995-2002. The commonest cancers were that of cervix, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and breast in that order, between 1985-1994. In 1995-2002 the commonest cancers were breast, cervix, prostate, and Non- Hodgkin's lymphoma in that order. Conclusion: There will be relative increase of cancer in our environment as communicable diseases are gradually being treated and eradicated. Establishment of more oncology units in our tertiary health centers will certainly prolong the life of the patients and improve their quality of life.