Advanced Breast Cancer in Nigeria: A Single Centre Experience

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally and in Nigeria, it constitutes about 12% of all new cancers and 25% of all cancers in women. In Nigeria, the majority of patients present with late disease and globally, advanced breast cancer is associated with a low survival rate among patients. This study seeks to review the presentation of advanced breast cancer as seen in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Southern Nigeria. Patients and Methods: This is a 5-year retrospective study conducted at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Records of patients that presented to the hospital within the study period with histologically proven breast cancer (stages 3 and 4) were retrieved, and relevant data extracted and analysed using SPSS version 22. Results: There were 47 patients with advanced breast cancer and they were all females. Their ages ranged from 25 to 72 years with a mean of 43.9 ± 4.7 and peak age of 31–50 years. Majority of the patients (72.3%) had stage 3 disease while 13 (27.7%) of them had stage 4. The lung was the commonest metastatic site and this was seen in 7 (14.9%) patients, followed by the liver in 1 (2.1%). Conclusion: Advanced breast cancer remains a dreaded disease that reduces patients’ quality of life significantly and may also be rapidly fatal. Community-based efforts in collaboration with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) targeted at information dissemination to the public, and offering breast cancer screening and subsidized cancer treatment are essential to reduce the mortality associated with this deadly disease.