TITLE:
Prognostic Factors Influencing Five-Year Survival of Colorectal Cancer Patients at the National Center for Cancer Control, Niamey (2018-2023)
AUTHORS:
Fatima Mohamed Amghar, Alkassoum Salifou Ibrahim, Amadou Soumaïla, Damien Barikissou Georgia, Badirou Aguemon
KEYWORDS:
Colorectal Cancer, 5-Year Survival, Epidemiology, Niger
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.6,
June
30,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC), due to its frequency and severity, represents a significant public health problem worldwide. It is a major cause of cancer-related death. This study aims to evaluate the five-year survival of colorectal cancer patients and identify factors associated with prognosis at the National Cancer Center of Niamey. Materials and Methods: This retrospective analytical study included patients with histologically confirmed colorectal cancer managed between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2023. Overall survival was defined as the time from diagnosis to death from any cause. Patients who were alive at the end of follow-up or lost to follow-up were censored at the date of last contact. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Prognostic factors were identified using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: A total of 222 patients with colorectal cancer were included in the survival analysis. The mean age was 48.6 ± 15.4 years. The median overall survival was 13 months. The estimated survival rates at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years were 58.6%, 17.9%, 6.5%, 1.6%, and very low approaching zero, respectively. In multivariate analysis, poor treatment adherence was independently associated with increased risk of death (HR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.107 - 2.297; p = 0.012). Conclusion: Colorectal cancer in Niger is associated with poor survival, mainly due to late diagnosis and suboptimal treatment adherence. Strengthening early detection and improving access to care are essential to reduce mortality.