The distribution of esophageal cancer patients enrolled in care at the Uganda Cancer Institute by sub-regions, districts and ethnicity

Background: There is limited published data regarding the distribution of esophageal cancer patients by sub-regions, districtsand ethnicity in Uganda. Objectives: To study the distribution by sub-regions, districts, ethnicity and sub-regions post-care outcomes of esophagealcancer patients in care over ten years at the Uganda Cancer Institute. Methods: Patients’ charts with confirmed diagnoses of esophageal cancer for 2009-2019 were identified. Case information,which included demographics, clinical presentation, distribution by sub-regions, districts, ethnicity and sub-regions post-careoutcomes, were retrospectively abstracted. Results: Central 671(34.15%), Southwestern 308(15.67%), Elgon 176(8.95%) and East central 163(8.29%) sub-regions had mostpatients. Mostly from administrative districts of Wakiso 167(8.50%), Mbarara 51(2.59%), Tororo 53(2.70%), Busia 33(1.68). Baganda,Banyakole, Bagisu and Basoga ethnic groups predominate. Patients from neighbouring countries were mainly from Rwanda56(2.85%), South Sudan 24(1.22%), then Kenya 21(1.07%), and Rwandese, Dinka and Luo by ethnicity, respectively. Centraland Southwestern sub-regions had the most post-care outcomes of the patients regarding living, death, and loss to follow-up. Conclusion: Patients are commonly from the administrative districts of Central, Southwestern, Elgon and East Central sub-regionsand neighbouring countries of Rwanda, South Sudan and Kenya. Baganda, Banyakole, Bagisu and Basoga are the mainethnic groups. Central and Southwestern sub-regions are with most post-care outcomes.