Cancer-associated thrombosis in some African populations: A growing concern

• Main Authors: Hannah E Omunakwe, Theresa U Nwagha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2016-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Noncommunicable Diseases
• Subjects: Africa; cancer-associated thrombosis; deep venous thrombosis; risk assessment
• Online Access: http://www.ijncd.org/article.asp?issn=2468-8827;year=2016;volume=1;issue=2;spage=87;epage=90;aulast=Omunakwe

The burden of cancer is gradually increasing in developing countries in Africa. This has accounted for significant rates of morbidity and mortality. The development of thrombosis in cancer patients impacts significantly on the outcome of care. Cancer-associated thrombosis may occur due to the stage of cancer, its organ site, treatment modality among other reasons. Some reports of studies of the management of patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) from African centers have identified malignancy as a significant risk factor for DVT. However, there are no reported studies in cancer patient groups to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors, and efficacy of prophylactic measures in Africa. This review focuses on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk indicators, and reports of thrombosis affecting cancer patients in Africa. The aim is to increase awareness and draw the attention of clinicians and oncologist in cancer management in Africa to the need for a robust multicenter research, establishing evidence-based interventions, and guidelines for improved patient outcome.