Abstract
Background: Eldoret Cancer Registry (ECR) is both a population-based cancer registry (PBCR) and hospital-based cancer registry (HBCR) located in Uasin Gishu County, western region of Kenya. As HBCR, it collects data on cancer cases seen at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (M.T.R.H.), which is the second largest public referral hospital in Kenya and has a robust cancer diagnosis, treatment facilities and medical specialists. The catchment population of MTRH is estimated at 24 million. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the number of cancer patients seen at MTRH by county and determine which counties will benefit most from establishment of a PBCR, based on their high incidence. Methods: Case finding is an active process. The E.C.R seeks clearance to collect data from the various data sources within MTRH. Trained cancer registrars visit the units on a regular basis to abstract and update cancer data into CanReg5. Quality checks and analysis of data are mainly done using CanReg5. Results: 16 years of HBCR data were analyzed. Out 20,423 cancer cases, Uasin Gishu county registered 39%. Nandi, Bungoma, Kakamega and Trans-Nzoia counties each registered 8%, 7%, 6% and 6% respectively. E-Marakwet and Busia both had 4% while other counties had below 2% of cancers cases registered for the period of analysis. Conclusion: Notably, there were high numbers of cancer patients registered from counties bordering Uasin Gishu. There is a high likelihood that there are more cases in these areas for patients who did not make it to MTRH due to preference, distance, SES, traditional/cultural beliefs etc. Establishing PBCRs will ensure a more comprehensive capture and reporting of cancer incidence and therefore necessitate proper planning for cancer control programs in those areas to reduce cancer burden and improve services for cancer patients and their families.
Published Version
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