Bridging the deficit: Assessing knowledge gaps in thyroid cancer management amongst physicians in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
| Title: | Bridging the deficit: Assessing knowledge gaps in thyroid cancer management amongst physicians in the Democratic Republic of Congo. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Bukasa-Kakamba J; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa 999069, Congo.; Bangolo AI; Department of Hematology and Oncology, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ 07601, United States. ayrtonbangolo@yahoo.com.; Poka N; Department of Endocrinology, National Diabetes Control Program, Kinshasa 999069, Congo.; Bompongo C; Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca 20100, Morocco.; Wadhwani S; Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States.; Wadhwani N; Department of Internal Medicine, Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center, North Bergen, NJ 07047, United States.; Kalambayi IK; Department of Ophthalmology, Avignon Hospital Center, Avignon 84000, France.; Mutombo MB; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa 999069, Congo.; Fwelo P; Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, TX 77030, United States.; Bayauli P; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa 999069, Congo.; Menga G; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa 999069, Congo.; Sifa A; Department of Internal Medicine, Kimbuala Mother and Children's Hospital, Kinshasa 999069, Congo.; Diazabakana C; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa 999069, Congo.; Kingebeni G; Department of Pathology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa 999069, Congo.; Mulumba M; Department of Internal Medicine, Central Military Hospital, Kinshasa 999069, Congo.; Mambu D; Department of Internal Medicine, Makala General Reference Hospital, Kinshasa 999069, Congo.; Bokondo RM; Department of Internal Medicine, Ndjili General Reference Hospital, Kinshasa 999069, Congo.; M'Buyamba-Kabangu JR; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa 999069, Congo. |
| Source: | World journal of clinical oncology [World J Clin Oncol] 2025 Jul 24; Vol. 16 (7), pp. 107495. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Baishideng Publishing Group Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 101549149 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 2218-4333 (Print) Linking ISSN: 22184333 NLM ISO Abbreviation: World J Clin Oncol Subsets: PubMed not MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: 2014-: Pleasanton, CA : Baishideng Publishing Group; Original Publication: Hong Kong : Baishideng Publishing Group |
| Abstract: | Background: Thyroid cancer incidence is rising globally, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite its increasing incidence, limited data exist on physicians' knowledge of thyroid cancer management in the DRC.; Aim: To evaluate the knowledge levels of Congolese physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules and cancers, and to identify existing gaps and areas for improvement.; Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2024, involving 369 physicians practicing in healthcare facilities across Kinshasa, DRC. Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire covering thyroid cancer epidemiology, diagnostic methods, treatment approaches, and prognosis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive and inferential statistics, with a P value ≤ 0.05 being considered as statistically significant.; Results: Overall response rate was 96.1%. Of all participants, 68% were female and 32% were male physicians. General practitioners constituted 84.8% of respondents, with an average age of 34 years. While 53.7% demonstrated adequate knowledge of hypothyroidism management post-thyroidectomy and 61.2% identified the approach for hypoparathyroidism, only 5.1% recognized the need for radiotherapy in metastatic thyroid cancer cases. Awareness of anaplastic thyroid cancer treatment was limited (6.5%), and 90.2% of physicians were unfamiliar with the surgical complications. Moderate understanding was noted in diagnostic protocols, with 44.2% correctly identifying repeat fine-needle aspiration timing in Bethesda I cases. Knowledge of molecular genetics, recurrence risks, and metastasis patterns was remarkably low.; Conclusion: This study highlights significant knowledge gaps among Congolese physicians regarding thyroid cancer management, especially about advanced treatment modalities and molecular genetics. Targeted educational programs and improved access to diagnostic tools are critical to bridging these deficits. Addressing these gaps can enhance the quality of thyroid cancer care and align clinical practices in the DRC with global standards.; (©The Author(s) 2025. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.) |
| Competing Interests: | Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article. |
| References: | Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2022 Jul;10(7):533-539. (PMID: 35752200); Thyroid Res. 2017 Feb 2;10:1. (PMID: 28184253); Ann Oncol. 2012 Oct;23 Suppl 7:vii110-9. (PMID: 22997443); Thyroid. 2010 Jul;20(7):707-13. (PMID: 20578894); Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Dec 03;19(23):. (PMID: 36498276); Eur J Surg Oncol. 2004 Apr;30(3):325-31. (PMID: 15028317); Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2022 Jul;10(7):540-548. (PMID: 35752201); Endocrine. 2024 Dec;86(3):890-902. (PMID: 39080211); Eur Thyroid J. 2017 Sep;6(5):225-237. (PMID: 29167761); Endocrinol Metab (Seoul). 2021 Aug;36(4):790-799. (PMID: 34376043); Radiology. 2021 May;299(2):381-382. (PMID: 33656384); Ann Surg. 2020 Oct;272(4):621-627. (PMID: 32773640); Front Nutr. 2022 Oct 20;9:1022650. (PMID: 36337631); Head Neck. 2020 Aug;42(8):1746-1756. (PMID: 32144948); J Surg Oncol. 2005 Mar 1;89(3):122-9. (PMID: 15719378); Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Jun 17;18(6):. (PMID: 28629126); Endocrinol Diabetes Metab. 2023 Jul;6(4):e434. (PMID: 37327183); Endocr Pract. 2001 May-Jun;7(3):202-20. (PMID: 11430305); Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2015 Apr;3(4):286-95. (PMID: 25591468); Ann Oncol. 2019 Dec 1;30(12):1856-1883. (PMID: 31549998); J Egypt Natl Canc Inst. 2023 May 22;35(1):15. (PMID: 37211566); Indian J Surg Oncol. 2022 Mar;13(1):40-45. (PMID: 35462648); Cancer Epidemiol. 2016 Aug;43:92-9. (PMID: 27420631); Asian J Surg. 2023 Oct;46(10):4202-4207. (PMID: 36504151) |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: Democratic Republic of Congo; Physician survey; Questionnaire; Thyroid cancer; Thyroid neoplasm |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20250731 Latest Revision: 20250802 |
| Update Code: | 20260130 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC12304966 |
| DOI: | 10.5306/wjco.v16.i7.107495 |
| PMID: | 40741193 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
Journal Article