Trends and demographic characteristics of prostate cancer patients as diagnosed in the histopathology laboratory at Mengo Hospital, Kampala District. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/yc0wgs26Keywords:
Prostate cancer, Histopathology, Prevalence, Age distribution, Mengo HospitalAbstract
Background.
Prostate cancer (PCA) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in Africa, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing a disproportionate burden and Uganda reporting some of the highest regional incidence rates. This study aimed to describe the trend and demographic characteristics of prostate cancer cases diagnosed in the histopathology laboratory at Mengo Hospital, Kampala District.
Methods.
A retrospective cross-sectional study design was employed, reviewing histopathology records of male patients diagnosed with prostate cancer at Mengo Hospital from July 2024 to December 2025. A structured data extraction form was used to abstract demographic and histopathological data from laboratory registers. A sample size of 90 patient records was reviewed. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages, with quarterly prevalence presented in tables and a line graph.
Results.
Of the 90 patients tested over six quarters, 21 tested positive for prostate cancer, yielding an overall prevalence of 23.3%. Quarterly prevalence fluctuated, rising from 23.5% in Q3 and Q4 2024 to a peak of 40.0% in Q2 2025, before declining to 10.0% by Q4 2025. Age was the only demographic variable available; prevalence increased with advancing age, with the highest burden among men aged 70 years and above (30.2%), compared to 12.5% among those aged 50–59 years.
Conclusion.
Prostate cancer prevalence at Mengo Hospital was substantial, with older age strongly associated with higher risk. Observed fluctuations likely reflect variability in testing volumes and healthcare access rather than true changes in disease occurrence.
Recommendation.
Mengo Hospital should expand routine demographic data capture, implement targeted PSA and digital rectal examination screening for men aged 50 years and above, and conduct regular community health education to promote early detection.
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