Risk Factors And Clinical Presentation Of Gynecological Cancers Among Women Attending Tertiary Referral Hospitals In Khartoum State, Sudan

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of gynecological cancers is rising, likely due to increasing obesity, aging populations, and lifestyle changes. In Sudan, women's cancer-related mortality receives limited attention due to underreporting.

Objectives: To investigate risk factors, presenting symptoms, and signs of gynecological cancers.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted at Soba University Hospital, Omdurman Military Hospital and Khartoum North Teaching Hospital from October 2017 to April 2018. A total of 120 women were enrolled.

Results: Ovarian cancer was the most common (56.7%), followed by uterine (24.2%), cervical (20.8%) and vulvar (3.3%). Nearly half were from central Sudan (43.3%). Family history of gynecological cancer was a major risk factor (28.3%). Ovarian cancer was significantly linked to breast cancer history. Uterine cancer was associated with high BMI (43.3%) and diabetes (72.4%). Cervical cancer correlated with early marriage (64.0%), high parity and low socioeconomic status (84.0%). Clinically, ovarian cancer presented with abdominal pain (82.4%), uterine with postmenopausal bleeding (79.3%), and cervical with bleeding and discharge (76.0%).

Conclusions: Ovarian cancer was the most common, with strong familial associations. Uterine and cervical cancers were tied to metabolic and reproductive risks. Bleeding and abdominal symptoms were the predominant clinical features.