Management and Prognosis of Adult Kidney Cancer in Yaoundé

What is known on the subject. The main prognostic factors for kidney cancer (size, stage, grade) are well established in high-income countries. However, epidemiological data and care pathways in sub-Saharan Africa are poorly documented.

The problem addressed. There is a crucial need to describe the real-world disease profile, management strategies, and survival outcomes in resource-constrained settings to guide local practices.

What this study adds. This Cameroonian study reports an unexpected female predominance (74%) and a median age of 54 years. Although 54% of tumors were localized (T1-T2), median survival was only 30 months. Clear cell carcinoma was predominant (66%). Total nephrectomy was the standard (69%).

Implications. These data highlight a significant burden and guarded prognosis of kidney cancer in Central Africa. They argue for strengthening diagnostic capacities (particularly access to cross-sectional imaging) and exploring barriers to early care and conservative surgery.

This publication is available in full in  Health Sciences and Disease.