Breast Cancer Burden in Maiduguri, North Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Breast cancer is a global disease and incidence continues to rise especially in the sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, breast cancer is currently the most common malignancy. This study aimed at describing the pattern of breast cancers in Maiduguri and to determine if there is any significant changing trend of frequency. This is a retrospective review data of breast cancers between 2001 and 2005 in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Cancer Registry. A total of 1,216 cases of cancers were registered within the study period and breast cancer accounted for 13.9%. There were 490 breast biopsy specimens and breast cancer accounted for 34.5%. There were 161 females and 8 males breast cancer within the study period giving a F:M ratio 20:1. There were four cases of bilateral breast cancers. The age ranges between 17 and 85 years and the peak age group was 40-49 years which accounted for 61 cases (36.1%). The commonest histologic type of breast cancer was invasive ductal carcinoma which accounted for 82.6%; invasive lobular (6.6%); medullary (4.3%); colloid (1.7%); papillary (1.1%); and others (5.1%). In conclusion, breast cancer is on the increase in our environment and therefore there is need for public enlightenment, screening all women at risk, early detection of the lesion, and proper management in our health institution.

Histopathological profile of breast cancer in an African population

“…[1921] This yet again is at variance with studies done in the United States invasive lobular carcinoma accounted for 15%. [2021] The reason for this variation is partly due to the fact that in the United States all H and E slides are further re-confirmed with immunohistochemistry. In this study, intraductal carcinoma accounted for 5.7% of all BRCA cases.…”

“…[3] This is further supported by other reports globally. [2021] Reports from United States Caucasian series also have it that invasive ductal carcinoma was also the most common BRCA. [20] In our study, invasive lobular carcinoma occurred a distance second.…”

“…in Zaria, North-Western Nigeria revealed that intra-ductal carcinoma constituted 6% and 3% respectively. [2122] Nevertheless a very high incidence of 20% of intra-ductal carcinoma was documented in the United State. [23] The reason for this marked variation is attributed to very efficient screening programs and high level of awareness of BRCA with subsequent early presentation in the United States.…”

Histological Features and Tissue Microarray Taxonomy of Nigerian Breast Cancer Reveal Predominance of the High-Grade Triple-Negative Phenotype

“…Recent data also suggest biological differences in breast cancer occurring in black women compared to white women in Great Britain [5]. In Africa, breast cancer incidence is rising and is associated with a high mortality rate in comparison to other populations [6]. …”

Studies on Histopathological cell Changes in Breast Cancer Using Breast Diseases Tissue Blocks in Enugu State University Teaching Hospital 2009 -2013

“…Many cases of breast cancers in Africa present in late stage, when very little can be done to salvage the situation. Recent research shows that 13.9% breast cancers were in a total of 1,216 cases of cancer registered between 2001 and 2005 Maiduguri, North East Nigeria [9] . Asia American have the lowest prevalence of breast cancer (0.5%) of carcinoma-associated gene mutation BRAI [10] .…”