Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Surgical Management, and Prognosis of Digestive Cancers in Young Adults under 50 Years of Age in Cotonou, Benin (2017-2022)

Abstract

Background: Digestive cancers are a major contributor to global cancer-related morbidity and mortality. With an estimated 19 million new cases and 9 million deaths annually, cancer now exceeds HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria as a cause of death worldwide. Several studies from Benin and sub-Saharan Africa have reported a relatively young age at diagnosis of digestive cancers. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic characteristics of digestive cancers in young adults in Benin. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive and analytical study over a six-year period, from January 2017 to December 2022. Patients aged 18 - 49 years diagnosed with digestive cancers were included. Results: A total of 175 patients were analyzed. Liver cancer was the most frequent digestive malignancy (34.9%), followed by colorectal cancer (28.0%) and gastric cancer (17.1%). A male predominance was observed (sex ratio = 2.3). The mean age was 38.1 ± 8.4 years (range: 18 - 49). Identified risk factors included alcohol consumption (43%), chronic hepatitis B infection (22.9%), gastroduodenal ulcer disease (16%), and tobacco use (3%). Adenocarcinoma was the predominant histological subtype (88%). The highest crude mortality rates were observed in esophageal, colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers. Conclusion: Digestive cancers represent a substantial burden among young adults in Benin and are associated with high mortality. Improving access to early detection, strengthening prevention and control of modifiable risk factors, and optimizing prognostic and therapeutic capacities are essential to enhance patient management and survival outcomes.