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Tamoxifen is the most used hormonal therapy for oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. CYP2D6 is the main enzyme in the metabolic pathway of tamoxifen to endoxifen. Variations in endoxifen plasma concentrations are associated with CYP2D6 polymorphisms. This study aimed to determine the association between the CYP2D6 polymorphisms and endoxifen plasma concentrations in a cohort of Zimbabwean breast cancer patients (n = 40). TaqMan genotyping and copy number assays were done to determine CYP2D6 genotypes. Tamoxifen and metabolites were quantitated using LC-MS/MS. The population had high frequencies of the CYP2D6 reduced function alleles, *17 (15%) and *29 (18%). The median endoxifen concentration was 4.78 ng/mL, and in 55% of the patients, mostly intermediate metabolizers were below the endoxifen therapeutic threshold of 5.97 ng/mL. The CYP2D6 phenotypes and activity scores were significantly associated with endoxifen plasma concentrations (P = 0.0151) and with endoxifen to N-desmethyl-tamoxifen ratios (P = 0.0006)., (© 2023 British Pharmacological Society.)

Purpose: Hypofractionated breast radiotherapy has been found to be equivalent to conventional fractionation in many clinical trials. Using data from the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology Global Impact of Radiotherapy in Oncology survey, we identified preferences for hypofractionation in breast cancer across World Bank income groups and the perceived facilitators and barriers to its use., Materials and Methods: An international, electronic survey was administered to radiation oncologists from 2018 to 2019. Demographics, practice characteristics, preferred hypofractionation regimen for specific breast cancer scenarios, and facilitators and barriers to hypofractionation were reported and stratified by World Bank income groups. Variables associated with hypofractionation were assessed using multivariate logistic regression models., Results: One thousand four hundred thirty-four physicians responded: 890 (62%) from high-income countries (HICs), 361 (25%) from upper-middle-income countries (UMICs), 183 (13%) from low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs). Hypofractionation was preferred most frequently in node-negative disease after breast-conserving surgery, with the strongest preference reported in HICs (78% from HICs, 54% from UMICs, and 51% from LLMICs, P < .001). Hypofractionation for node-positive disease postmastectomy was more frequently preferred in LLMICs (28% from HICs, 15% from UMICs, and 35% from LLMICs, P < .001). Curative doses of 2.1 to < 2.5 Gy in 15-16 fractions were most frequently reported, with limited preference for ultra-hypofractionation, but significant variability in palliative dosing. In adjusted analyses, UMICs were significantly less likely than LLMICs to prefer hypofractionation across all curative clinical scenarios, whereas respondents with > 1 million population catchments and with intensity-modulated radiotherapy were more likely to prefer hypofractionation. The most frequently cited facilitators and barriers were published evidence and fear of late toxicity, respectively., Conclusion: Preference for hypofractionation varied for curative indications, with greater acceptance in earlier-stage disease in HICs and in later-stage disease in LLMICs. Targeted educational interventions and greater inclusivity in radiation oncology clinical trials may support greater uptake.

Purpose: Few sub-Saharan African studies have ascertained utilization for postmastectomy radiation (PMRT) for breast cancer, the second most common cancer among African women. We estimated PMRT utilization and identified predictors of PMRT receipt in Zimbabwe., Methods: Retrospective patient cohort included non-metastatic breast cancer patients treated from 2014 to 2019. PMRT eligibility was assigned per NCCN guidelines. Patients receiving chemotherapy for non-metastatic disease were also included. The primary endpoint was receipt of PMRT, defined as chest wall with/without regional nodal radiation. Predictors of receiving PMRT were identified using logistic regression. Model performance was evaluated using the c statistic and Hosmer-Lemeshow test for goodness-of-fit., Results: 201 women with localized disease and median follow-up of 11.4 months (IQR 3.3-17.9) were analyzed. PMRT was indicated in 177 women and utilized in 59(33.3%). Insurance coverage, clinical nodal involvement, higher grade, positive margins, and hormone therapy receipt were associated with higher odds of PMRT receipt. In adjusted models, no hormone therapy (aOR 0.12, 95% CI 0.043, 0.35) and missing grade (aOR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01, 0.38) were associated with lower odds of PMRT receipt. The resulting c statistic was 0.84, with Hosmer-Lemeshow p-value of 0.93 indicating good model fit., Conclusion: PMRT was utilized in 33% of those meeting NCCN criteria. Missing grade and no endocrine therapy receipt were associated with reduced likelihood of PMRT utilization. In addition to practice adjustments such as increasing hypofractionation and increasing patient access to standard oncologic testing at diagnosis could increase postmastectomy utilization., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer amongst women globally and it accounts for the majority of cancer deaths among females in Zimbabwe. The objective of this midterm review analysis was to identify the gaps and opportunities for cervical cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care to inform the next cervical cancer strategy in Zimbabwe., Methods: A mixed methods approach was used for the midterm review. Secondary data was collected from programme documents, published and grey literature. Primary data was collected in six provinces through key informant interviews with officials and focus group discussions with beneficiaries. After data analysis, a draft report was presented to a technical working group to validate the findings and to fill in any gaps., Results: This midterm review revealed a myriad of gaps of the strategy particularly in diagnosis, treatment and care of cervical cancer and the primary focus was on secondary prevention. There was no data to quantify the level of awareness and advocacy for cervical cancer prevention. Our results revealed that there was no data on the proportion of women who ever tested for cervical cancer which existed nationally. Our findings suggest that some health facilities were screening women above 50 years old using VIAC, which is an inappropriate approach for those women. Quality control of VIAC and treatment of precancers were not part of the strategy. Pathological services were not efficient and effective due to lack of resources and additionally data on investigations were not routinely collected and available at the national level. Other gaps identified were limited funding, human resources, equipment, and commodities as well as lack of leadership at the national level to coordinate the various components of the cervical cancer programme. There are also numerous opportunities identified to build upon some successes realized to date., Conclusions: Our findings emphasized the importance of effective and holistic planning in cervical cancer screening programmes in low-resource settings. In addition, huge investments are required in cervical cancer programmes and governments need to take centre role in mobilizing the requisite resources., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Purpose: In sub-Saharan Africa, radiotherapy (RT) utilization and delivery patterns have not been extensively studied in patients with metastatic breast cancer., Methods: A retrospective cohort study of female patients with metastatic breast cancer seen at Parirenyatwa Radiotherapy Centre in Zimbabwe from 2014 to 2018 was conducted. Demographics, pathology, staging, and treatment data were abstracted through chart review. Fisher's exact test and chi-squared test of independence were used to compare proportions, and independent two-sample t -tests were used to compare means., Results: Of 351 patients with breast cancer, 152 (43%) had metastatic disease, median age 51 years (interquartile range: 43-61 years). Of those with metastatic disease, 30 patients (20%) received radiation to various metastatic sites: 16 spine; three nonspine bone metastases; six whole brain; and five chest wall or supraclavicular. Patients who received radiation were younger (46 v 52 years; P = .019), but did not differ significantly by performance status than those who did not. The most common dose prescription was 30 Gy in 10 fractions (33%). Five (17%) patients had treatment interruption and two (7%) had treatment noncompletion. Province of origin and clinical tumor stage were significant predictors of RT receipt ( P = .002; and P = .018, respectively)., Conclusion: A minority of patients with metastatic breast cancer received RT (20%), and these were likely to be younger, with advanced tumor stage, and resided in provinces where RT is available. Conventional courses were generally prescribed. There is a need to strongly consider palliative RT as an option for patients with metastatic breast cancer and use of hypofractionated courses (e.g. 8 Gy in one fraction) may support this goal., Competing Interests: Jennifer Ruth BellonLeadership: International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • PhysicsHonoraria: UpToDate, Accuray, Leidos Biomedical Research, Grupo OncoclinicasResearch Funding: NanoString TechnologiesPatents, Royalties, Other Intellectual Property: Coeditor of breast cancer textbook (Radiation Therapy Techniques and Treatment Planning for Breast Cancer). Honorarium, SpringerOther Relationship: Varian Medical Systems Shekinah Nefreteri Cluff ElmoreStock and Other Ownership Interests: TeladocConsulting or Advisory Role: Best Doctors Inc, WildtypeNo other potential conflicts of interest were reported.

Background: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Zimbabwe. Patients face socioeconomic barriers to accessing oncology care, including radiotherapy. We sought to understand patterns of care and adherence for women with breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with radiotherapy access., Methods: A retrospective cohort was created for women with breast cancer evaluated at the Parirenyatwa Hospital Radiotherapy and Oncology Center (RTC) from 2014 to 2018. Clinical data were collected to define patterns of care. Non-adherence was modeled as a binary outcome with different criteria for patients with localized versus metastatic disease., Results: In total, 351 women presented with breast cancer with median age 51 at diagnosis (IQR: 43-61). Receptor status was missing for 71% (248). 199 (57%) had non-metastatic disease, and 152 (43%) had metastases. Of women with localized disease, 34% received post-mastectomy radiation. Of women with metastatic disease, 9.7% received radiotherapy. Metastatic disease and missing HIV status were associated with increased odds of study-defined non-adherence (aOR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.28; aOR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.11, 4.05), while availability of ER/PR status was associated with lower odds of non-adherence (aOR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.36)., Conclusions: Radiotherapy is likely underutilized for women with breast cancer, even in a setting with public sector availability. Exploring patient-level factors that influence adherence to care may provide clinicians with better tools to support adherence and improve survival. Greater investment is needed in multidisciplinary, multimodality care for breast cancer in SSA., (© 2021 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Cervical cancer treatment and care remains limited in Zimbabwe despite the growing burden of the disease among women. This study was aimed at investigating strategies to address barriers in accessing treatment and care by women with cervical cancer in Harare, Zimbabwe., Methods: A qualitative inquiry was conducted to generate evidence for this study. Eighty-four (84) participants were purposively selected for interviews and participation in focus group discussions. The participants were selected from cervical cancer patients, caregivers of cervical cancer patients, health workers involved in the care of cervical cancer patients as well as relevant policy makers in the Ministry of Health and Child Care. Participants were selected in such as a way as to ensure different of characteristics to obtain diverse perspectives about the issues under study. Discussion and interview guides were used as data collection tools and discussions/interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated into English. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted using Dedoose software., Results: Salient sub-themes that emerged in the study at the individual patient level were: provision of free or subsidized services, provision of transport to treating health facilities and provision of accommodation to patients undergoing treatment. At the societal level, the sub-themes were: strengthening of health education in communities and training of health workers and community engagement. Salient sub-themes from the national health system level were: establishment of more screening and treatment health facilities, increasing the capacities of existing facilities, decentralization of some services, building of multidisciplinary teams of health workers, development and rolling out of standardized guidelines and reformation of Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS) levy into a fund that would finance priority disease areas., Conclusion: This study revealed some noteworthy strategies to improve access to cervical cancer treatment and care in low-income settings. Improved domestic investments in health systems and reforming health policies underpinned on strong political are recommended.

As the burden of cancer increases worldwide, more so in low- and middle-income countries, one of the greatest challenges is human resource capacity development. Addressing this is critical in reducing the burden of cancer in the African continent. Other challenges include socio-economic demographics and disparities in the overall cancer care. Lack of sufficient numbers of qualified staff has been one of the obstacles in developing adequate and modern cancer treatment centres in Africa. Training in clinical oncology in Zimbabwe was established in 1990 through the collaboration between the Government of Zimbabwe and the WHO as a regional project. The training is offered by the University of Zimbabwe through the established Master of Medicine in Radiotherapy and Oncology (MMed Rad & Onco) postgraduate programme. Regional and local fellows have been trained, yielding more than 20 clinical oncologists over the years, who have initiated cancer treatment facilities in Africa and beyond. They have continued to train others, fulfilling the original WHO programme target of transfer of skills in sub-Saharan Africa. Collaborations with external partners have complemented efforts by the local faculty in addressing deficiencies in training, in areas where experts in the subject are lacking and in supporting nationals working abroad to come and teach newer technologies and techniques. The curriculum continues to evolve from knowledge-based training to competency-based training. However, there is a need to expand the current infrastructure to keep up with changing technology. Clinical oncology training in Zimbabwe continues and remains a regional resource. Emphasis on subspecialising seems to be the next natural step in progression. Strengthening of other disciplines, including surgical oncology and medical physics, would be complementary to the training. The programme is an example of a sustainable initiative born out of collaborative partnership and is sustained by local resources. The greater majority of qualified oncologists have remained in Africa., Competing Interests: All authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (© the authors; licensee ecancermedicalscience.)

Background: Cervical cancer is mostly diagnosed at advanced stages among the majority of women in low-income settings, with palliative care being the only feasible form of care. This study was aimed at investigating palliative care knowledge and access among women with cervical cancer in Harare, Zimbabwe., Methods: Sequential mixed methods design was used, consisting of two surveys and a qualitative inquiry. A census of 134 women diagnosed with cervical cancer who visited two cancer treating health facilities and one palliative care provider in Harare between January and April, 2018 were enrolled in the study. Seventy-eight health workers were also enrolled in a census in the respective facilities for a survey. Validated structured questionnaires in electronic format were used for both surveys. Descriptive statistics were generated from the surveys after conducting univariate analysis using STATA. Qualitative study used interview/discussion guides for data collection. Thematic analysis was conducted for qualitative data., Results: Mean ages of patients and health workers in the surveys were 52 years (SD = 12) and 37 years (SD = 10,respectively. Thirty-two percent of women with cervical cancer reported knowledge of where to seek palliative care. Sixty-eight percent of women with cervical cancer had received treatment, yet only 13% reported receiving palliative care. Few women with cervical cancer associated treatment with pain (13%) and side effects (32%). More women associated cervical cancer with bad smells (81%) and death (84%). Only one of the health workers reported referring patients for palliative care. Seventy-six percent of health workers reported that the majority of patients with cervical cancer sourced their own analgesics from private pharmacies. Qualitative findings revealed a limited or lack of cervical cancer knowledge among nurses especially in primary health care, the existence of stigma among women with cervical cancer and limited implementation of palliative policy., Conclusions: This study revealed limited knowledge and access to palliative care in a low-income setting due to multi-faceted barriers. These challenges are not unique to the developing world and they present an opportunity for low-income countries to start considering and strategizing the integration of oncology and palliative care models in line with international recommendations.

Background: Cervical cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women yet access to treatment and care remains a huge challenge in Zimbabwe. The objective of this study was to investigate health system constraints affecting engagement into treatment and care by women with cervical cancer in Harare, Zimbabwe., Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used for this study. Phase 1 comprised of two surveys namely: patient and health worker surveys with sample sizes of 134 and 78 participants respectively. Validated structured questionnaires programmed in Android tablet with SurveytoGo software were used for data collection during the surveys. Univariate analyses were conducted using STATA® version 14 to generate descriptive statistics. In phase 2, 16 in-depth interviews, 20 key informant interviews and 6 focus groups were conducted to explain survey results. Participants were purposively selected and sample sizes were informed by saturation principle. Participants in phase 1 and 2 were different. English transcripts were manually coded line by line in Dedoose software using the thematic codes that had been established from the survey data. The final codes were used to support and explain the survey data at the interpretation stages., Results: Health system constraints identified in surveys were: limited or lack of training for health workers, weakness of surveillance system for cervical cancer, limited access to treatment and care, inadequate health workers, reliance of patients on out-of-pocket funding for treatment services, lack of back-up for major equipment. Qualitative inquiry revealed the following barriers to treatment and care: high costs of treatment and care, lack of knowledge about cervical cancer and bad attitudes of health workers, few screening and treating centres located mostly in urban areas, lack of clear referral system resulting in bureaucratic processes, and limited screening and treating capacities in health facilities due to lack of resources., Conclusion: The results of this study show that health system and its organization present barriers to access of cervical cancer treatment and care among women. Strong political will, mobilization of resources both domestically and from partners in addition to sound policies are imperative to address key health system challenges.

Background: Cervical cancer treatment and care services have remained largely centralized in Zimbabwe thereby entrenching inequities to access amongst patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of access to treatment and care among women with cervical cancer in Harare, Zimbabwe., Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used. In phase 1, three surveys (namely community, patient and health worker) were conducted with sample sizes of 143, 134 and 78 participants respectively. Validated structured questionnaires programmed in Android tablet with SurveytoGo software were used for data collection during the surveys. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyzes were conducted using STATA® version 14 to generate descriptive statistics and identify determinants of access to cervical cancer treatment and care. In phase 2, 16 in-depth interviews, 20 key informant interviews and 6 focus groups were conducted to explain quantitative data. Participants were purposively selected and saturation principle was used to guide sample sizes. Manually generated thematic codes were processed in Dedoose software to produce final outputs for qualitative study., Results: Knowledge of causes (p = 0.046), perceptions of adequacy of specialists (p < 0.001), locus of control (p = 0.009), service satisfaction (p = 0.022) and walking as a means of reaching nearest health facilities (p < 0.001) were associated with treatment or perceptions of access by healthy women. Perceptions of access to treatment amongst health workers were associated with their basic training institution (p = 0.046), health service quality perceptions (p = 0.035) and electricity supply status in their respective health facilities (p = 0.036).Qualitative findings revealed health system, societal and individual factors as barriers to accessing treatment and palliative care., Conclusions: There are numerous prevailing multi-dimensional barriers to accessing cervical cancer treatment and palliative care in a low -income setting. The findings of this study revealed that heath system and societal factors were more important than individual level factors. Multi-sectoral approaches are recommended to address all the multifaceted barriers in order to improve cervical cancer treatment and palliative care access for better outcomes in resource-limited contexts.

Background: Cervical cancer is the most common cancer and a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women in Zimbabwe yet it is preventable, early detectable and highly curable. The objective of this study was to investigate knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices towards cervical cancer, its prevention and treatment in Harare, Zimbabwe., Methods: Sequential explanatory mixed methods approach consisting of analytical cross sectional survey and a qualitative inquiry was used. Study population consisted of women with cervical cancer, health workers and other stakeholders who are involved in cancer control programmes. Patient survey data were collected using validated structured questionnaire in Surveytogo software in an android tablet. Qualitative study used key informant interviews to understand survey findings better. Data analyses for the survey involved univariate and multivariate analyses using STATA version 14. For qualitative study, themes in transcripts were coded and analyzed using Dedoose software to generate evidence for the study., Results: Participants reported different levels of knowledge of causes (23%), risk factors (71%), prevention (72%), screening (73%) and treatment (80%) of cervical cancer. Knowledge of causes of cervical cancer were negatively associated with: being aged 45 or more years (OR = 0.02; p = 0.004), having no household income (OR = 0.02;p = 0.007), household income

Radiotherapy is an essential component of cancer therapy. Lack of access to radiotherapy in less-developed countries prevents its use for both cure and symptom relief, resulting in a significant disparity in patient suffering. Several recent initiatives have highlighted the need for expanded access to both palliative medicine and radiotherapy globally. Yet, these efforts have remained largely independent, without attention to overlap and integration. This review provides an update on the progress toward global palliative radiotherapy access and proposes a strategic framework to address further scale-up. Synergies between radiotherapy, palliative medicine, and other global health initiatives will be essential in bringing palliative radiotherapy to patients around the globe.

Background: Cervical cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Zimbabwe; however; access to screening and treatment services remain challenged. The objective of this study was to investigate socio-demographic inequities in cervical cancer screening and utilization of treatment among women in Harare, Zimbabwe., Methods: Two cross sectional surveys were conducted in Harare with a total sample of 277 women aged at least 25 years. In the community survey, stratified random sampling was conducted to select 143 healthy women in Glen View, Cranborne, Highlands and Hopely communities of Harare to present high, medium, low density suburbs and rural areas respectively. In the patient survey, 134 histologically confirmed cervical cancer patients were also randomly selected at Harare hospital, Parirenyatwa Hospital and Island Hospice during their routine visits or while in hospital admission. All consenting participants were interviewed using a validated structured questionnaire programmed in Surveytogo software in an android tablet. Data was analyzed using STATA version 14 to yield descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression outcomes for the study., Results: Women who reported ever screening for cervical cancer were only 29%. Cervical cancer screening was less likely in women affiliated to major religions (p < 0.05) and those who never visited health facilities or doctors or visited once in previous 6 months (p < 0.05). Ninety-two (69%) of selected patients were on treatment. Women with cervical cancer affiliated to protestant churches were 68 times [95% CI: 1.22 to 381] more likely to utilize treatment and care services compared to those in other religions (p = 0.040). Province of residence, education, occupation, marital status, income (personal and household), wealth, medical aid status, having a regular doctor, frequency of visiting health facilities, sources of cervical cancer information and knowledge of treatability of cervical cancer were not associated with cervical cancer screening and treatment respectively., Conclusion: This study revealed few variations in the participation of women in cervical cancer screening and treatment explained only by religious affiliations and usage of health facilities. Strengthening of health education in communities including churches and universal healthcare coverage are recommended strategies to improve uptake of screening and treatment of cervical cancer.

The burden of cancer in low- to middle-income countries is growing and is expected to rise dramatically while resources to manage this disease remain inadequate. All authorities for the management of cancer recommend multidisciplinary care. Educational efforts by international organizations to assist local professionals in caring for their patients tend to have a lasting impact because they empower local professionals and enhance their skills. A multidisciplinary cancer management course was designed by American Society of Clinical Oncology staff and local experts to provide a roadmap for cross-specialty interaction and coordination of care in Zimbabwe. The outcome of the course was measured through feedback obtained from participants and impact on local workforce. The cancer management course was relevant to daily practice and fostered long-lasting partnerships and collaborations. Furthermore, it resulted in a more motivated local workforce and strengthened existing multidisciplinary practices. Cancer care is in a critical state in low- to middle-income countries. Educational efforts and collaborative partnerships may provide a cost-effective strategy with sustainable benefits. A multidisciplinary approach to optimize therapy is desirable. Evaluation of the course impact after a period of 6 months to 1 year is needed to determine the sustainability and impact of such efforts., Competing Interests: The following represents disclosure information provided by authors of this manuscript. All relationships are considered compensated. Relationships are self-held unless noted. I = Immediate Family Member, Inst = My Institution. Relationships may not relate to the subject matter of this manuscript. For more information about ASCO’s conflict of interest policy, please refer to www.asco.org/rwc or ascopubs.org/jco/site/ifc. Sandra NdarukwaNo relationship to discloseAnna Mary NyakabauTravel, Accommodations, Expenses: Genentech, AstraZeneca, NovartisAnees B. ChagparNo relationship to discloseDavid RabenEmployment: AstraZeneca Consulting or Advisory Role: AstraZeneca Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: AstraZenecaNtokozo NdlovuNo relationship to discloseWebster KadzatsaNo relationship to discloseVanessa J. EatonNo relationship to disclosePaida MafundaNo relationship to discloseEvangelia RazisHonoraria: Roche, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Amgen, Novartis, Zeincro, Merck, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb Consulting or Advisory Role: Roche, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Janssen-Cilag, Astellas Pharma, Novartis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, Pfizer, Zeincro Research Funding: Sanofi, Genentech, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Demo Pharmaceutical, Celldex, PAREXEL International Travel, Accommodations, Expenses: Genesis Pharmaceuticals, LEO Pharma, Pfizer, Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genekor, Eisai, Merck, Pierre Fabre, Novartis

Objective: To document the pattern of cancer in children (0-14 years) registered in the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry from 2000-2009., Design: Retrospective descriptive analysis., Methods: Analysis of data from the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry for the period 2000-2009., Setting: The Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry., Results: Childhood Cancer constituted 3.8% of all malignancies recorded at the cancer registry during the study period. The common cancers were: Wilm's Tumour 286 (16.2%), Kaposi Sarcoma 277 (15.7%), Retinoblastoma 231 (13.1%), Non- Hodgkins lymphoma 182 (10.3%), leukemia 158 (8.9%), brain and nervous tissue 107 (6.1%), connective tissue 105 (5.9%), bone 97 (5.5%), Hodgkins lymphoma 57 (3.2%), Non-melanoma skin 33 (1.9%). All the other remaining cancers were 233 (13.2%). Burkits lymphoma constituted only 2% of all cancers. The noted pattern of cancers in this study were compared to patterns from other countries and similarities and differences are discussed., Conclusion: This study showed high incidence rates of Nephroblastoma, Retinoblastoma and Kaposi sarcoma. In contrast to high income countries leukemia and brain tumours are more prevalent in older age group. Compared to other countries in Africa, Burkits lymphoma was rare. Further research is required to identify factors that influence relative frequencies in childhood cancers in Zimbabwe. Findings from this study provide baseline data for future studies.

Incidence rates of different cancers have been calculated for the black population of Harare, Zimbabwe for a 20-year period (1991-2010) coinciding with continuing social and lifestyle changes, and the peak, and subsequent wane, of the HIV-AIDS epidemic. The overall risk of cancer increased during the period in both sexes, with rates of cervix and prostate cancers showing particularly dramatic increases (3.3% and 6.4% annually, respectively). By 2004, prostate cancer had become the most common cancer of men. The incidence of cancer of the esophagus, formerly the most common cancer of men, has remained relatively constant, whereas rates of breast and cervix cancers, the most common malignancies of women, have shown significant increases (4.9% and 3.3% annually, respectively). The incidence of Kaposi sarcoma increased to a maximum around 1998-2000 and then declined in all age groups, and in both sexes The incidence of squamous cell cancers of the conjunctiva is relatively high, with temporal trends similar to those of Kaposi sarcoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the fifth most common cancer of men and fourth of women, showed a steady increase in incidence throughout the period (6.7-6.9% annually), although rates in young adults (15-39) have decreased since 2001. Cancer control in Zimbabwe, as elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, involves meeting the challenge of emerging cancers associated with westernization of lifestyles (large bowel, breast and prostate), while the incidence of cancers associated with poverty and infection (liver, cervix and esophagus) shows little decline, and the residual burden of the AIDS-associated cancers remains significant., (Copyright © 2013 UICC.)

This paper provides the first comprehensive population based cancer survival estimates from the African continent. Five-year absolute and relative survival estimates are presented for black and white Zimbabwean patients diagnosed with cancer in Harare, Zimbabwe between the years 1993 and 1997. The survival of black Zimbabwean cancer patients are among the lowest ever reported from population based cancer registries. For most cancer sites, white Zimbabwean patients have much higher survival than black Zimbabweans, except for lung and colorectal cancer, for which the estimates are similarly poor. Race specific comparisons to cancer patients in the United States show that Zimbabwean patients have much lower survival than American cancer patients and that the gap between black Zimbabwean patients and black American patients is broader than between white Zimbabwean and white American patients. Access to and the ability to pay for medical care may be a very important barrier to better survival for the majority of black Zimbabwean patients and the most important cause for the very low cancer survival in this population., ((c) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

The survival experience of 284 patients with cancer of the cervix uteri registered by the population-based Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry in 1995-1997 is described. The vital status of these subjects was established by linkage with death registration and by retrieval of patient files from medical records departments. Untraced patients were contacted at home. Of the 284, 177 (62.3%) were dead and 76 (26.8%) were alive at the closing date of the study (31 December 1999), with only 31 cases (10.9%) lost to follow-up. Overall observed and relative survival at 3 years were 44.2% and 45.2%, respectively. Half of the cases (139) had been referred and treated in the radiotherapy department. Survival was significantly greater in the first 3 years for patients who received radiotherapy treatment compared to those that had not, but this difference had disappeared by the fourth year of follow-up. Many cases presented late (distant metastasis), and extent of disease was an important determinant of survival; cases with metastases had a risk of death some 3 times that of patients with localized disease. The results demonstrate the importance of earlier diagnosis and availability of effective treatment in the African context., (Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)