AN ANALYTICAL, STATISTICAL STUDY OF THYROID CANCER INCIDENCE IN SUDAN DURING 2005-2015

Abstract

Introduction: Sudan, the most diverse country in the African continent, is experiencing growing cancers problems. However, little is known about thyroid cancer epidemiology and patterns. the study aimed to analyse and describe the epidemiological characteristics and trends of thyroid cancer in, in the period1st January 2005 and 31st December 2015. Methods: This is retrospective population and hospital-based study. We analysed epidemiological data for digital medical records at both Radiation and Isotope Centre Khartoum (RICK), and Soba University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan were reviewed. Results: In total, 1,062 cases were reported during 1st January 2005 and 31st December 2015. Of these, (360; 33.9%) were male and (702; 66.1%) were female. The highest number of cases was in the 25-54-year-old age group (451; 42.5%), and more than 65-year-old age (331; 31.2%). The most predominant type of thyroid cancer among the Sudanese population was Papillary carcinoma (734; 69.1%) followed by Follicular carcinoma 178(16.8%) and Medullary carcinoma (150; 14.1%). There were significant differences in gender, age groups and types of thyroid cancer (P=0.001). Based on geographical distribution thyroid cancer showed high prevalence in Khartoum, North Kurdufan, River Nile, Kassala, North Darfur, Northern, and south Kurdufan. Whereas, low distribution is seen in Red sea, West Darfur, West Kurdufan, East Darfur, Al Gadarif, and the Blue Nile. Conclusion: our results suggest that thyroid cancer continuous presenting alarming challenge with an increasing the prevalence in females. Papillary carcinoma is the most common type among Sudanese populations. Further epidemiological studies are required in policy strategies for control and prevention strategies of thyroid cancer in Sudan.