Journal of Cancer Research
ISSN: 2578-3726 | DOI: 10.64030/2578-3726
Abdulkarim Suraj, Bappah Lawan, Abubakar Abdulrazaq Ahmad and Danimoh Mustapha Abdulsalam
Background: Early-onset cancers, defined as cancers occurring before the age of 50 years, are increasingly recognized as an emerging public health concern globally. While substantial evidence exists from high-income countries, data from lowand middle-income settings such as Nigeria remain limited. Understanding the lifestyle, environmental, and psychosocial determinants of early-onset cancer is essential for informing prevention and control strategies tailored to younger populations.
Methods: A hospital-based case–control study was conducted at the Specialist Hospital, Gombe, and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe. The study included 240 adults aged 18–49 years, comprising 120 histologically confirmed early-onset cancer cases and 120 cancer-free controls. Cases were recruited consecutively from oncology and pathology units, while controls were selected from general outpatient clinics and frequency-matched by age and sex. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, medical record reviews, and physical measurements. Variables assessed included sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and psychosocial indicators. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression at a 5% level of significance.
Results: Breast, colorectal, cervical cancers, and lymphomas were the most common early-onset cancers identified, with the majority of cases presenting at advanced stages. In multivariable analysis, obesity (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.30–4.46), physical inactivity (AOR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.61–5.19), alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.14–3.96), exposure to biomass cooking fuels (AOR = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.28–4.38), and occupational exposure to potential carcinogens (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI: 1.29–5.41) were independently associated with early-onset cancer. Early-onset cancer patients also reported significantly higher levels of stress and depressive symptoms, as well as poorer quality of life, compared to controls.
Conclusion: Early-onset cancer among Nigerian adults aged 18–49 years is strongly associated with modifiable lifestyle behaviors, environmental exposures, and significant psychosocial burden. These findings highlight the need for targeted cancer prevention strategies, early detection efforts, and integrated psychosocial support services for younger adults in Nigeria.