Cancer mortality patterns in Ghana: a 10-year review of autopsies and hospital mortality
2006

Cancer Mortality Patterns in Ghana: A 10-Year Review

Sample size: 3659 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wiredu Edwin K, Armah Henry B

Primary Institution: University of Ghana Medical School

Hypothesis

What are the cancer mortality patterns in Ghana over a 10-year period?

Conclusion

This study provides valuable information on cancer mortality patterns in Ghana, highlighting the leading causes of cancer deaths.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study reviewed 3659 cancer deaths at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital over a 10-year period.
  • The commonest cause of cancer death in females was breast cancer, while in males it was liver cancer.
  • The mean age for females at death was 46.5 years and for males was 47.8 years.

Takeaway

The study looked at cancer deaths in Ghana over 10 years and found that breast cancer is the most common cause of death for women, while liver cancer is the most common for men.

Methodology

A retrospective review of autopsy records and medical certificates of cause of death from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital over a 10-year period.

Potential Biases

Hospital data may not comprehensively cover the population and can be biased due to selective factors.

Limitations

The study is not population-based and may not represent the national cancer mortality pattern.

Participant Demographics

The study included 1651 females and 2008 males, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-6-159

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