Cervical cancer care at a tertiary oncology facility in Uganda: Comparing daily practice with national treatment targets on cervical cancer control

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316323
• Publication Date: 2025-01-09T18:48:21Z
• Authors: Marlieke de Fouw; Melissa W. M. Boere; Carolyn Nakisige; Mariam Nabwire; Jane Namugga; Israel Luutu; Jackson Orem; Jan M. M. van Lith; Jogchum J. Beltman
• Keywords: Chemoradiotherapy; Medical record

Objective Treatment of cervical cancer patients in Uganda is hampered by late diagnosis due to the unavailability timely screening and limited availability advanced care. This study evaluated clinical presentation management presenting at Cancer Institute (UCI) Kampala, tertiary oncology facility with access radiotherapy reflected on daily practice identify priority areas for improving care Uganda. Patients methods We retrospectively analyzed medical records all UCI between January 2017 March 2018 sociodemographic characteristics variables descriptive statistics. The early stage disease who initiated treatment was using national targets formulated strategic plan prevention control. Results Medical 583 were included, representing less than 10% annual estimated incidence majority (86%) presented disease. More half never (31%) or interrupted (30%) treatment. surgery (10%) palliative (25%) achieved eligible UCI, however, target chemoradiotherapy (65%) not met. Conclusion Daily differed from ambitions While most women requiring chemoradiotherapy, met radiotherapy. Although level, they mask unmet need completed demands further expansion oncological surgical capacity, chemotherapy warrants focus accessible programs.