Abstract:
Introduction: cancer is a growing concern in Mozambique. However, the country has limited facilities and few oncologists. Surgical oncologists are
an unmet need. The aim of this study was to assess residents' knowledge in prevalent cancer domains and to identify and characterize prevalent
cancers treated by surgery at Maputo Central Hospital, the largest hospital in Mozambique. The expectations were that the findings shall inform the
development of a comprehensive curriculum in surgical oncology fellowship fit for the Hospital. Methods: to identify and characterize prevalent
cancers, we performed a retrospective analysis of individual cancer patient registries of Maputo Central Hospital (MCH), Mozambique. Information
was recorded into data collection sheets and analyzed with SPSS ® 21. To assess MCH residents oncologic knowledge, we invited Twenty-six junior
residents (49% of all residents) of different specialties to take a 30 item multiple choice written test used elsewhere in previous studies. The test
focused on the domains of Basis of oncology, Radiotherapy, Pathology, Chemotherapy, Pain management, Surgical oncology and Cl inical Pathway.
The test was administered anonymously and without prior notice. We analyzed the overall test and topic performance of residents. Results: the
study covered a period of 3 years and 203 patients. The most prevalent malignant tumors treated by general and thoracic surgery in MCH cancer
registry were esophageal (7%), female breast (6.5%) and colorectal cancer (2.8%). Globally these malignancies were diagnosed at an advanced
stage of the disease and required a multimodal treatment. The mean percent correct score of residents was 37.3%. The dimension with the highest
percent correct score were clinical management (46%) and surgical oncology (28%) showed the lowest correct score. Conclusion: in Maputo,
Mozambique esophageal, breast and colorectal cancer were the most prevalent malignancies treated, with surgery, by thoracic or general surgery in
MCH. The test scores suggest that, among residents, the knowledge in oncology needs to be improved, rendering support to the need of a surgical
oncology training tailored to suit the local needs. Specific training should take into account local cancer prevalence, resources, their quality and the
support of surgical oncology services with volume and experience.
