10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

Comorbid conditions significantly impact cancer prognosis, treatment selection, and overall patient survival. While advances in cancer care have improved survival outcomes for patients without underlying conditions, managing cancer alongside non-communicable and infectious diseases remains a major clinical challenge. This study analyzes the prevalence of comorbid conditions, cancer types, and diagnostic staging among cancer patients in Kenya to inform improved disease management strategies. A retrospective study was conducted using clinical registry data from specialized cancer facilities in central Kenya. Ethical approval was granted by the Chuka University Institutional Ethics Review Committee. Data from a sample of 176 cancer patients with underlying health conditions were analyzed. Variables including age, gender, cancer stage, subtype, and co-existing conditions were recorded and evaluated using descriptive statistical methods, including frequency counts and percentages. Among the 176 patients analyzed, 55.9% were male and 44.9% were female, with an overall mean age of 65.85 years. Late-stage diagnosis was highly prevalent, with Stage IV accounting for 50% of cases, followed by Stage II and III at 23.3%, and Stage I at 3.41%. Thirty distinct cancer types were observed, dominated by prostate cancer (28%), breast cancer (25%), stomach cancer (15%), and esophageal cancer (12%). Hypertension was the most common comorbid condition, affecting 53.4% of all patients, followed by diabetes (11.9%), retroviral disease (10.2%), and chronic kidney disease (5.11%). Hypertension co-occurred most frequently with prostate (n = 30), breast (n = 20), and stomach (n = 13) cancers. Regarding treatment modalities, 37.5% received chemotherapy, 32% received hormonal therapy, and 24.4% underwent surgery. Overall patient survival at the time of evaluation was 93.75%. A substantial majority of cancer patients in central Kenya are diagnosed at advanced stages (Stages III–IV) and carry a heavy burden of comorbid conditions, primarily hypertension and diabetes. The low rate of early-stage diagnosis limits surgical interventions and emphasizes the need for early screening initiatives. Integrating multidisciplinary care strategies that address underlying non-communicable and infectious comorbidities is essential to optimize treatment management and clinical outcomes in cancer patients.