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Jul 31, 2013Article Details
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Main Article Content
Breast cancer clinicopathological presentation, gravity and challenges in Eritrea, East Africa: Management practice in a resource-poor setting
Abstract
Objective. To assess the clinicopathological presentation, gravity and management challenges presented in breast cancer treatment in Eritrea.
Methods. Our investigation was a retrospective, descriptive study to assess the clinical features and severity of breast cancer at time of presentation. We reviewed the medical records of all patients who presented with breast malignancies over the 2-year period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2008.
Results. Eighty-two patients ranging in age from 26 - 80 years (mean 48 years) were included in the study. Of these 51% were premenopausal
women; 61% of the patients presented with breast mass only and the remainder with manifestations of local (mass plus discharge, breast
pain or breast ulceration) or distant metastatic disease. More than 60% of the patients presented after >2 years following onset of symptoms.
Two-thirds of patients had late stage (III or IV) disease. All except one case was managed surgically.
Conclusion. Most cases presented at younger age and advanced stage. These findings call for strengthening health education to promote early
health-seeking behaviour and advocacy for the introduction of national screening, implementation of a management protocol and establishment
of a radio-chemotherapy centre.
