Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Survival of Breast Cancer: Data from the Population-Based Cancer Registry of the City of Parakou from 2017 to 2021

Abstract

Breast cancer mortality remains high in the majority of developing countries. The Ministry of Health has established two population-based cancer registries in Benin: the first one in Cotonou in 2014 and the second one in Parakou in 2017. However, there is a scarcity of data on breast cancer survival and prognosis in Benin Republic. Objective: This study sought to investigate epidemiological, diagnostic, and survival aspects of breast cancer in Parakou, based on data from its population-based cancer registry from 2017 to 2021. Method: For descriptive and analytical purposes, we used a retrospective cohort design. From January 24, 2022 to August 31, 2022, data were collected in all health facilities covered by the Parakou population-based cancer registry using an individual questionnaire. Survival and prognosis analysis were performed using KAPLAN MEIER method and David COX proportional hazard model respectively. Result: A total of 81 patients have been included in this study. The incidence rate of breast cancer in Parakou was 17.5 per 100,000 person-years with a mortality rate of 2.76 per 100,000 person-years. The median age at diagnosis was 44.50 years with extremes ranging from 19 to 76 years and a predominance of 40 - 50 years age group. The median survival time was estimated at 30 months with an overall 5-year survival of 47%. Young age at diagnosis (p-value = 0.002) and advanced stage at diagnosis (p-value = 0.000) had a negative impact on survival in women. The combination of surgery and chemotherapy improved survival (p-value = 0.018). Conclusion: Breast cancer is still a public health issue in Parakou. It comes out mandatory that resources be made available to make screening, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of breast cancer affordable.