Factors Associated with Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis among Patients with Digestive Malignancies at the National Cancer Control Center of Niamey, Niger (2018–2023)

  • Fatima Mohamed Amghar Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
  • Damien Georgia Barikissou Associate Professor (CAMES) Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
  • Alkassoum Ibrahim Salifou Associate Professor (CAMES) Faculty of Health Sciences, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger
  • Amadou Soumaila Surgical Oncologist, Director General, National Center for Cancer Control (CNLC), Niamey, Niger
  • Badirou Aguemon Full Professor of Public Health (CAMES) Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
Keywords: Colorectal cancer, associated factors, consultation delay, digestive cancers, Niger

Abstract

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health concern, with a rising incidence in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Niger, data on factors associated with CRC are limited. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and behavioral factors associated with the diagnosis of colorectal cancer among patients with digestive cancers.

Methods: This retrospective analytical study was conducted at the National Cancer Control Center (CNLC) of Niamey, including patients with histologically confirmed digestive cancers between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2023. Associations between CRC diagnosis and independent variables were assessed using bivariate analyses (χ² or Fisher’s exact test), followed by multivariate logistic regression for variables with p < 0.20. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results: Among 424 digestive cancer cases, 231 (54.5 %) were colorectal cancers. After excluding incomplete records, 222 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 48.6 ± 15.4 years, with a male predominance (62.2 %). In multivariate analysis, no income was significantly associated with CRC diagnosis (OR = 4.85; 95 % CI: 1.40–16.00; p = 0.014). A consultation delay of two years or more was also significantly associated with CRC diagnosis (OR = 4.05; 95 % CI: 0.90–18.00; p = 0.034). Behavioral factors (tobacco, alcohol, obesity) and family history were not significantly associated with CRC.

Conclusion: This study highlights that low socioeconomic status and delayed consultation are strongly linked to the hospital diagnosis of colorectal cancer in Niger. Strengthening early detection, community awareness, and financial access to care is essential to improving patient management and prognosis.

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The European Scientific Journal (ESJ) ongoing call for papers
Published
2026-02-16
How to Cite
Amghar, F. M., Barikissou, D. G., Salifou, A. I., Soumaila, A., & Aguemon, B. (2026). Factors Associated with Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis among Patients with Digestive Malignancies at the National Cancer Control Center of Niamey, Niger (2018–2023). European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 50, 402. Retrieved from https://eujournal.org/index.php/esj/article/view/20656
Issue
Vol 50 (2026): ESI Preprints
Section
ESI Preprints

Copyright (c) 2026 Fatima Mohamed, Damien Georgia Barikissou, Alkassoum Ibrahim Salifou, Amadou Soumaila, Badirou Aguemon

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