Epidemiological Profile of Childhood Malignancies at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study (2019–2023)

Abstract

Aim: This study assessed the epidemiological profile, treatment modalities, and treatment outcomes of childhood malignancies managed at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana, from 2019 to 2023. Study Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana, using records from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023. Methods: Data were extracted from the childhood cancer register for children aged 0–14 years who were diagnosed and managed for malignancy during the study period. Records with incomplete key variables and duplicates were excluded. Sociodemographic characteristics, cancer type, National Health Insurance Scheme coverage, treatment modality, and treatment outcome were summarised using frequencies and percentages. Associations between selected variables and treatment outcome were assessed using chi-square tests and logistic regression. Results: Of 732 recorded childhood cancer cases, 654 complete records were included in the analysis. The number of recorded cases declined from 142 in 2019 to 112 in 2023. Children aged 0–4 years accounted for the largest proportion of cases, representing 297 cases (45.4%). Males constituted 371 cases (56.7%). Most children had National Health Insurance Scheme coverage, 470 (71.9%). Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was the most common malignancy, accounting for 125 cases (19.1%), followed by retinoblastoma, 110 (16.8%), and Wilms tumour, 87 (13.3%). Chemotherapy was the most frequently used treatment modality, 409 (62.5%), followed by combined treatment, 205 (31.3%). Treatment modality was significantly associated with treatment outcome. In the multivariable analysis, combined treatment was associated with lower odds of death, whereas absence of treatment was associated with higher odds of death. Conclusion: Childhood malignancies managed at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital during 2019–2023 were most frequent among children under five years, with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia being the leading diagnosis. Strengthening early diagnosis, treatment access, financial protection, and multicentre cancer surveillance may improve paediatric oncology outcomes in Ghana.