Masters Degrees (Radiation Oncology)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Radiation Oncology) by Author "Naidoo, Komeela"

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    Descriptive epidemiological study of head and neck cancers at a single institution in Southern Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-12) Naidoo, Komeela; Simonds, Hannah M.; Afrogheh, A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology. Radiation Oncology.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Head and Neck Cancers (HNCs) constitute a major public health concern worldwide. The incidence is approximately two times more in less-developed regions as compared to more developed regions. The estimated incidence in sub-Saharan Africa is 27593 per 100000 with a cumulative risk of 0.66. We evaluated patient demographics, risk factors, tumours characteristics, prognostic factors, disease stage, treatment intent and treatment modality in a cohort of patients with HNC in Cape Town, SA. Records of all HNC patients that presented to Tygerberg Hospital oncology department between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2017 were reviewed. The following variables were described: patient demographics, which include age, sex, HIV status, and socio-economic status as well as tumour characteristics, risk factors, treatment intent and treatment modalities. Data was collected from 854 patients seen between 2015 and 2017. There were 603 (71%) male and 251 (29%) female. The male to female ratio was 2.4:1. The age range was 10-89 years (median age 58 years). Smoking was a risk factor in 737 (86.3%) and alcohol in 634 (74.2%) of patients. Of the 167 patients with oropharyngeal primaries, 16 (9.58%) patients had p16 positive, 78 (46.70%) were p16 negative and the p16 status was unknown in 73 (43.7%). The most common site was the oral cavity (n=320) and the most common sub-site was the anterior tongue (n=137). Eleven patients had two separate primaries at the time of diagnosis. In total, 466 patients (53.87%) presented with locally advanced, stage IVA disease. The median age of diagnosis, the most predominate primary site; histological subtype and stage at presentation were consistent with that reported in the literature. We have demonstrated that the majority of patients present at a late stage, with locally advanced disease. This together with the predominate risk factors of smoking and alcohol consumption is a potential target for health campaigns and awareness programmes. This cohort will be followed up for treatment outcomes and survival rates.