Incidence, trends and geographical variation of breast cancer in the eastern, southeast region of Algeria (2014-2018)

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is a major global health problem. In Algeria, breast cancer is the first cancer and the first cause of death by  cancer, it is characterized by its epidemic nature and his incidence continues to increase, epidemiological surveillance is based on data  from the national network of registers of the cancer. This network was institutionalized by Order No. 22 of February 18, 2014. Our work  aims to study the incidence, geographical distribution and evolution of breast cancer in the East, South-East of Algeria.

Methods: This is a  multicenter descriptive epidemiological study of incidence data from cancer registries from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018. After  active data collection, data entry and analysis is done at the using Canreg5 software and EXCEL.

Results: In the region, the coverage rate by validated registry reached 84% in 2018. Breast cancer ranked first (43%). The average number of new cases is estimated  at 4 412, i.e. a crude incidence rate of 53.1 and standardized incidence of 65.1. Median age: 47 years old. The regional incidence of breast  cancer continues to increase; it rose from 52 in 2014 to 69.4 in 2018. Annaba, Sétif, Constantine and Souk-Ahras occupied the first places.  A North-South gradient is observed; Ouargla, Biskra and El Oued presented the lowest incidences (< 50). By 2025, the number will be  increased by 45%, or about 7 500 new cases.

Conclusion: The increasing trend in most registries, screening has become urgent, the  longer we delay the greater the impact. Decision-makers, epidemiologists and researchers must pay particular attention to this cancer.