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

Abstract

Background: 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.