Malignancies at the hospital of Doctor Albert Schweitzer, Lambaréné, Gabon, 1950–1965
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Retrospective hospital-based case series and record review.
OpenAlex W2035091386 · doi:10.1002/ijc.2910020415
What was done
Authors reviewed clinical and histopathological records from 1950 through 1965 for 64,297 persons seen at the Hospital of Dr. Albert Schweitzer in Lambaréné, Gabon, to identify and classify histologically proven malignancies.
What was found
A total of 196 histologically proven malignancies were identified across the 16-year period. Carcinomas of the genitourinary and alimentary tracts predominated, alongside substantial numbers of lymphomas and sarcomas. Primary liver cancers were detected, but no cases of nasopharyngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, Burkitt lymphoma, or childhood leukemias were recorded. Malignancies were rare in young individuals. The proportion of malignancies relative to total histopathological reports remained near-constant throughout 1950–1965.
Why it matters
The paper provides historical baseline data on cancer occurrence in equatorial West Africa during the mid-20th century, documenting regional variations and the apparent absence of tumors commonly reported in other parts of Africa.
Limits
The study is restricted to retrospective single-hospital records requiring histological verification, creating substantial selection and under-ascertainment bias. True population incidence could not be calculated, and unbiopsied or rapidly fatal conditions were likely missed.
Cited by
- context Albert Schweitzer investigated cancer incidence in African tribes living traditional lifestyles and observed that cancer rates were extremely low.