Facteurs liés au diagnostic tardif des cancers du sein en Afrique-sub-saharienne : cas de la Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

ObjectiveTo identify in Ivorian environment, reasons involved in late diagnosis of breast cancer. Patients and methodsRetrospective study over 4years (January 2008 to December 2011) including 350 patients with breast adenocarcinoma. A questionnaire was created and filled according to the medical files of the patients. Linear regression analysis applied to the data showed concordance between the factors and the delay before diagnosis. ResultsThus 78.9% of the patients sought for care above 10months with inflammatory cancers (54%) and necrotic ulcerations (18%). Factors found during interview were the lack of financial means (36%), cultural habits with first intent traditional treatment (41.1%), misdiagnosis (7.1%) and lack of therapeutic care. Yet, when comparing each of these factors to the delay, no significant link was found. Chemotherapy was the first therapeutic method. ConclusionIn our context, the conjunction of ignorance, poverty and socio-cultural habits were the key factors in late diagnosis of breast cancers in Côte d’Ivoire.