PurposeThe HIV epidemic has contributed to the increasing incidence of cancer in
sub-Saharan Africa, where most patients with cancer present at an advanced
stage. However, improved access to HIV care and treatment centers in
sub-Saharan Africa may facilitate earlier diagnosis of cancer among patients
who are HIV positive. To test this hypothesis, we characterized the stage of
cancer and evaluated the factors associated with advanced stage at
presentation among patients in Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of adult patients with any of four
specific cancers who presented for care in Kampala, Uganda, between 2003 and
2010. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were abstracted from the
medical record, together with the outcome measure of advanced stage of
disease (clinical stage III or IV). We identified measures for inclusion in
a multivariate logistic regression model.ResultsWe analyzed 731 patients with both AIDS-defining cancers (cervical [43.1%],
and non-Hodgkin lymphoma [18.3%]), and non–AIDS-defining cancers
(breast [30.0%] and Hodgkin lymphoma [8.6%]). Nearly 80% of all patients
presented at an advanced stage and 37% had HIV infection. More than 90% of
patients were symptomatic and the median duration of symptoms before
presentation was 5 months. In the multivariate model, HIV-positive patients
were less likely to present at an advanced stage as were patients with
higher hemoglobin and fewer symptoms.ConclusionPatients with limited access to primary care may present with advanced cancer
because of a delay in diagnosis. However, patients with HIV now have better
access to clinical care. Use of this growing infrastructure to increase
cancer screening and referral is promising and deserves continued support,
because the prognosis of HIV-positive patients with advanced cancer is
characterized by poor survival globally.