Clinicopathological profile of female Sudanese patients with locally advanced breast cancer.

BACKGROUND

In Sudan, breast cancer is one of the most common malignancy affecting women and the incidence rates appear to be rising. Unfortunately, most of the patients presented in advanced stage.

OBJECTIVE

To obtain information on demographic characteristics, clinicopathological profile and factors related to late presentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Descriptive study. 144 patients who presented from April 2009 through May 2011 with locally advanced breast cancer were included in this study.

RESULTS

144 patients ranging in age from 25-71 years (mean 47 years) were included in the study. Of these 62.5% were premenopausal women. More than 60% of the patients presented after > 1 year following onset of symptoms. 68% of patients attributed their late presentation for lack of education and financial aspects.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that locally advanced breast cancer patients presented at a younger age. Lack of education, financial issues and dependency on traditional medicine are encountered for this late presentation. We suggest that the attitude of Sudanese females towards breast cancer has to change through continuous but targeted public education.