Trends in Pediatric Cancers over 10 years from a Hospital based Registry
in Pakistan
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In the absence of population based cancer registries,
hospital records can only highlight the importance of collection and
analysis of data to address the burden of cancer among children. For
this purpose, a hospital-based registry’s pediatric cancer data
(individuals aged 0-18 at diagnosis) from 2010 to 2019 was compiled and
analyzed at AKUH in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: A paper-based system is
used to record all interactions with patients at the hospital. A
dedicated team of Cancer Registrars transcribe this data onto a US based
registry software; CNExT. Registry data was extracted through software
generated reports and compiled for analysis. RESULTS: The total number
of children presented at our center was 2,694, out of which 1,673 were
males while 1,021 were females. Top 5 sites were bone marrow (n=887),
central nervous system (n=481), lymphoid tumors (n=294) bone (n=255) and
soft tissues (n=145). All other sites contributed to 632 cases, 23.5%
of the total patient population. Furthermore, 806 patients were aged
0-4, 627 were aged 5-9, 684 were aged 10-14 while 966 patients were
15-19 years old.. A consistent increase of 210% was noted during the
10-year period. CONCLUSION: Our database analysis shows that the top
cancer sites are consistent with other databases around the world.
Increase in numbers may reflect awareness and referral pattern
emphasizing the need for capacity building at the national level to
accommodate patients locally so families don’t have to travel over
provincial and international borders to receive treatment.