%A Adewuyi, Sunday %A Oguntayo, Adekunle %A Samaila, Modupeola %A Akuyam, Shehu %A Adewuyi, Kehinde %A Igbinoba, Festus %T Sociodemographic and clinicopathologic characteristics of 249 elderly cancer patients seen at the Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria %9 Original Article %D 2016 %J Archives of International Surgery %R 10.4103/2278-9596.187194 %P 22-27 %V 6 %N 1 %U https://www.archintsurg.org/article.asp?issn=2278-9596;year=2016;volume=6;issue=1;spage=22;epage=27;aulast=Adewuyi %8 January 1, 2016 %X Background: The rate of cancer incidence is expected to rise in the ageing population. The objective of this study is to evaluate the sociodemographic and clinicopathologic characteristics of elderly cancer patients as there is a paucity of data in this environment. Patients and Methods: Elderly cancer patients seen between 2006 and 2009 were studied retrospectively. The patient's folders were reviewed for relevant clinical information using standardized structured pro forma. Data were analyzed and results were presented in a table. Results: A total of 249 patients were analyzed (mean age 67 years, M:F = 2:3). There is no formal education in 70.7% of the patients. Only 20.5% of the patients had history of alcohol ingestion and 14.1% smoke cigarette. Ten (4%) patients had family history of cancer and 1.2% was seropositive for HIV antibodies. The most common cancer in males was head and neck cancer (14.1%) followed by prostate cancer (10%). In the females, the most common cancer was cervical cancer (31.3%) followed by breast cancer (12.4%). Only 8.4% of the patients presented with early stage disease. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity seen in 35.3% of the patients followed by diabetes mellitus (7.6%). The surgery was done in 36.9% of the patients, while 63.5% of the patients had diverse chemotherapy and 42.2% had radiotherapy. Chemotherapy-induced morbidity and mortality were seen in 36.9% and 26.9% of the patients, respectively. Similarly, radiotherapy-induced morbidity and mortality were seen in 8.8% and 0.4% of the patients, respectively. Conclusion: More female elderly patients are seen. Cervical cancer and head and neck cancers are the most common cancers seen in elderly female and male patients, respectively. Most patients presented with advanced disease, and hypertension is the most common comorbidity. There should be a cautious use of chemotherapy in order to reduce mortality. %0 Journal Article %I Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications %@ 2278-9596