Cancer of the large bowel in the African: a 15-year survey at Kinshasa University Hospital, Zaïre

Abstract

In a 15-year survey at Kinshasa University Hospital, 954 solid cancers were recorded. Among these, 46 malignant tumours arose in the colon, rectum and anal canal, a proportion of 4-8 per cent. A review of the patients' age and clinical presentation, and pathology and aetiology of the tumours revealed that: 1. The incidence of this cancer in young Africans is higher than in Western countries. 2. The clinical presentation of this illness in young people is frequently unusual, but older African patients commonly present with classic symptoms. 3. The incidence of mucous carcinoma tends to be higher, but could be explained by the larger number of young people suffering from the condition. 4. Intestinal amoebiasis was associated with cancer in 3 cases. Its significance remains uncertain.