Prevalence, Patterns, and Distribution of Risk Factors of Head and Neck Cancer among Patients Referred to and Treated at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Five-Year Retrospective Chart Review From April 1, 2020 To March 31, 2025
| dc.contributor.advisor | Surafel Adula | |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Demerew Dejene | |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Gelana Garoma | |
| dc.contributor.author | Kemer Kedir | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-06-18T14:40:15Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-06-18T14:40:15Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Background: Head and neck cancer encompasses a group of malignancies affecting the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and related structures, posing significant global health challenges. Socio-economic and behavioral factors can be associated with head and neck cancer. However, little is known about the prevalence of head and neck cancer and its associated factors among patients in Ethiopia. This study aims to describe the prevalence and patterns of head and neck cancer, as well as the distribution of selected risk factors, among patients referred to and treated at TASH in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review conducted at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Medical records of all patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer in the Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, ENT, and Oncology during the five-year period from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2025, were included. Data extraction was carried out between July 25 and August 10, 2025, using a standardized checklist. The collected data were cleaned and entered into EpiData version 4.1 and subsequently analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, medians, and ratios, were used to summarize the findings. Results: A total of 818 medical charts were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age was found to be 46.21 years with a standard deviation of 16.83, while the median age was 46 years, with the highest proportion in the 41–50-year age group (21.1%). Males comprised 61.5% of cases (male-to-female ratio: 1.6:1), and most patients were from Addis Ababa (35.5%). The nasopharynx (33.7%), oral cavity (18%), and larynx (9.5%) were the most common primary tumor sites. Squamous cell carcinoma (46.2%) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (26.9%) were the predominant histologic types. At diagnosis, the majority of patients presented with advanced disease (Stage III: 43.5%; Stage IV: 35.5%), with swelling (70.5%), pain (25.1%), and bleeding (15.2%) being the most frequent presenting symptoms. Combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy was the most commonly administered treatment (37.3%). During follow up, 83.3% of patients were alive, with airway obstruction being the leading cause of death (58.4%). Conclusion: The study showed a high prevalence of advanced-stage HNCs, with nasopharyngeal carcinoma being the most common subtype, deviating from global trends where oral cavity and laryngeal cancers typically predominate. While SCC remains the leading histologic type. Improved public awareness, earlier detection, and enhanced access to comprehensive oncologic care are urgently needed to improve outcomes in Ethiopia and similar settings. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/8211 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Addis Ababa Uinverstiy | |
| dc.subject | Head and neck cancer | |
| dc.subject | Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital | |
| dc.subject | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | |
| dc.title | Prevalence, Patterns, and Distribution of Risk Factors of Head and Neck Cancer among Patients Referred to and Treated at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Five-Year Retrospective Chart Review From April 1, 2020 To March 31, 2025 | |
| dc.type | Thesis |